The property had been owned for close to thirty years by the Anketall family, whose combined talents of a cabinet maker/builder and potter, have created a complex with a relaxed and pleasing atmosphere. The property was a derelict dairy and they saw it as an ideal location to live and to practice their professions. In 1980 Flaxton Gardens Pottery opened, along with a kiosk and craft shop.

In 1984 the construction of the larger building was completed and this is where Flaxton Crafts operated. The wine tasting and sales area opened in 1997. Although the initial aim was a working winery with requests from the general public, they saw the true potential of the property was in the hospitality industry. It was then run for wedding ceremonies and receptions.



Alan and Georgina Thompson, the new owners, wish to continue to build upon the foundations already laid of this Sunshine Coast iconic property and see it reach its full potential as a destination hospitality venue. [Hinterland Times Article]

Alan and Georgina come to Flaxton Gardens with vast experience in the hospitality trade. Alan trained as a chef in New Zealand and then traveled to England to further his cooking career. After working in many high caliber establishments he met wife Georgina, and they opened their first restaurant 755 in Fulham, London.

Following this they moved to the heart of the Cotswold countryside where they purchased The Royalist Hotel - authenticated in the Guinness book of records as the oldest Inn in England. 947AD. There they held three rosettes and operated for five years before moving to Australia with two children.

Now, with the help of their latest arrival (Sarah age 2) they are ready for their new venture to begin.




Australian Bridal Industry Academy Awards (ABIA)

• 2010 Finalist, Reception Centre, Qld
• 2010 Finalist, Ceremony Reception, Qld

Alan and I were thrilled to attend the 12th Queensland Annual Bridal Industry Awards hosted by The Australian Bridal Industry Academy at The Park Royal in Brisbane. The ABIA’s are a much sought-after Award for Australian wedding suppliers as they are determined by the votes of past brides. Flaxton Gardens were nominated for the ABIA based on the quality of product, quality of service, value for money and the attitude of the staff who serviced the bride’s needs, before, during and after their wedding day.

As we have only been a member of ABIA for the past six months and only recently opened we were thrilled to be part of these elite awards.

The Chairman of the ABIA, Mr. John O' Meara congratulated us on the achievement as a Finalist of Reception Centre category and Ceremony Venue.
Mr. O' Meara said that Flaxton Gardens should be extremely proud of the achievement especially when one considers that 1,571 wedding suppliers were nominated for the awards.

Mr. O' Meara went onto say that it was business like Flaxton Gardens which complimented and elevated the wedding industry with their attention to detail, pride, passion and professional manner in which they delivered their wedding product to the customer.

Alan and I truly believe that your wedding day is unique to you and your ideas and dreams need to be the foundation to the planning.


Coordinator and proprietor.



The Sunshine Coast Gourmet Club

• 2011 Dinner of the Year Award

Flaxton Gardens wins Sunshine Coast Gourmet Club Dinner of the Year
Flaxton Gardens Vineyard Restaurant has been awarded The Sunshine Coast Gourmet Club’s coveted ‘Dinner of the Year’ award on Sunday, September 18, at their annual Presentation Luncheon.

It is the second consecutive year the picturesque hinterland restaurant has taken out the Club’s top honour, as voted by its members.

Now in its 32nd year, The Sunshine Coast Gourmet Club hosts monthly three-course dinners at selected restaurants across the Coast.

Each member scores each course and also rates their service experience and the ambience of the venue to give an overall score.

As the highest scoring restaurant of the year (July 2010 – June 2011), Flaxton Gardens has been named the Sunshine Coast Gourmet Club - Dinner of the Year 2011, Winner, with Restaurant M of Mooloolaba and Harvest of Coolum being named as Finalists.

Sunshine Coast Gourmet Club President Mrs Muriel Johnson said Flaxton Gardens was again the stand-out performer of the year, after posting outstanding marks across all criteria.

“The feedback from all members after our September dinner at Flaxton Gardens was glowing, with the restaurant recording top marks across the board – particularly for the quality and presentation of their meals.

“It is a stunning venue, run to perfection by hosts Georgina and Alan Thompson, and to come out on top again, after some stellar dining experiences throughout the year, is a truly remarkable achievement,” she said.

Mrs Johnson praised each of the restaurants the Club had visited the past year, saying the standard of food and service across the board was something the Sunshine Coast should be proud of.



The Sunshine Coast Gourmet Club

• 2010 Dinner of the Year Award

Flaxton Gardens wins Sunshine Coast Gourmet Club Dinner of the Year
The Sunshine Coast Gourmet Club will award Flaxton Gardens Vineyard Restaurant its coveted ‘Dinner of the Year’ award on Sunday, September 19 at their annual Presentation Luncheon.

The Club, which is in its 31st year, hosts monthly three-course dinners at selected restaurants across the Sunshine Coast, as chosen by its members.
Each member scores each course and also rates their service experience and the ambience of the venue to give an overall score, which are then totalled to determine the highest performing restaurant.

As the highest scoring restaurant of the year (July 2009 – June 2010), Flaxton Gardens has been named the Sunshine Coast Gourmet Club - Dinner of the Year 2010, Winner, with Harry’s on Buderim and Blue Fish (Mooloolaba) being named as Finalists.

Sunshine Coast Gourmet Club President Mrs Gail Robinson said Flaxton Gardens was the stand-out performer of the year, after posting outstanding marks across all criteria.

“The feedback from all members after our May dinner at Flaxton Gardens was glowing, with the restaurant recording top marks across the board – particularly for the quality and presentation of their meals.

“It is a stunning venue, run to perfection by hosts Georgina and Alan Thompson, and a very deserving winner of this year’s award,” she said.

Mrs Robinson said the standard of the Sunshine Coast dining scene had improved in recent years.

“We have enjoyed many delicious meals in restaurants right across the Coast through the years and have been critiquing food long before the days of Masterchef!

“While we do take our scoring seriously, at the end of the day, what the Club is all about is ladies enjoying great food and wine together and sharing evenings filled with laughter and friendship.”



Savour Australia Restaurant & Catering Awards

• 2010 Queensland Winner,
Restaurant in a Winery Award