EXP.lanation

At EXP. our focus is to create a dining EXP.erience that is delicious, entertaining and interactive.

Food is at the heart of EXP. and we create dishes that are our EXP.ression of Australian cuisine. The menu is driven by the seasons and produce but most importantly focused on flavour we offer casual yet professional and friendly service.

EXP has been included in the Delicious Top 100 Restaurants for 2017, 2018 & 2019, recently ranked at No. 28

EXP ranked No. 75 in the Gault & Millau Australian Top 100 of 2018

The restaurant is located in Pokolbin, the heart of the Hunter Valley. The dining room is intimate with hand crafted local furniture. Guests can sit along the bar and peer directly into the kitchen while interacting with Chef Frank Fawkner and his team. 

exp.ertise

frank fawkner - owner - head chef

Frank began his cooking career at the age of 15 at Mount Broke Wines, a simple cafe in Broke.

He was then a part of the opening team at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley where he worked for 3 years to complete his apprenticeship. With hunger for knowledge and EXP.erience he then moved to London to work for Tom Aikens, climbing to the rank of Sous Chef at "Tom's Kitchen".

Upon returning home to the Hunter, Frank landed a position at renowned Muse Restaurant where he worked alongside owners Troy and Megan Rhoades-Brown, chef and restaurant manager. This was a great platform to develop his career; learning how to run a fine dining restaurant and create his own style of food. Great achievements for Frank was becoming Head Chef in late 2013 and being part of the team when Muse Restaurant reached the coveted "2 Hats" from the SMH Good Food Guide.

2015 marked the beginning of a new EXP.edition for Frank and his wife Emma; the opening of EXP. restaurant. Four years on EXP. keeps evolving with a menu that is driven by the seasons. 

2018 Frank and Emma opened a second venue Fawk Foods Kitchen & Bakery, a casual cafe that has a similar ethos to EXP. If you want to know more visit. www.fawkfoods.com

Harrison Plant - restaurant manager

Harrison has been amongst the vineyards since he was 11 years old. Having a rich history and background in the wine trade he began his professional career in the Hunter when he was 18 years old in cellar door. However he always felt that there was more to the industry that meets the eye - he wanted more, he wanted the push.

After working as a Sommelier for 4 years at one of Australia’s most beloved restaurants Bistro Molines, he did just that. After achieving a certificate IV in Hospitality and Tourism he won the First Creek Front of House scholarship and soon after left for the International Butler Academy (the best school in the world for silver/private service).

Successfully he made it back to the Valley with the most prestigious title of International Butler with distinction (the youngest to do so).

Harrison is now back home where his heart belongs. Passionate and enthusiastic to serve - waiting for your arrival at EXP Restaurant.

Jayden dann - Chef

Jayden Dann began his career when he was 17. After working at one of West Cessnock’s most popular clubs Vincent Street he made his way to EXP Restaurant.

Continuing on his apprenticeship at only 18 years old Jayden is now proudly a qualified chef and awaits to serve you at EXP restaurant.