The Great Takeaway: a bespoke dining event where guests take home artisanal table settings

The City of Ballarat will present the third annual "Great Takeaway" on Thursday 22 May — a unique dining event where 60 guests will enjoy a three-course meal and leave with their entire handcrafted place setting, valued at over $400.

Hosted in the historic Ballarat Mining Exchange, among the Craft Lab 2025 exhibition, this experience combines exceptional cuisine with collectible craft in one memorable evening.

Eight premier artisans based in the Ballarat region have been commissioned to create six uniquely styled tables and distinctive dining sets, featuring custom dinner plates, side plates, wine and water glasses and cutlery — all handcrafted by local makers.

"This event creates something truly exceptional," Angela D'Alton, Craft Lab Curator said.

"Each handcrafted piece begins its journey in the hands of our artisans, before being presented, used and enjoyed by the diners and then taken home — with the experience being immortalised through collectable, functional art within their daily lives."

Chefs Douglas Kerr and Dan Tesoriero of Peasant Ballarat have designed a bespoke three-course menu for each table, responding to the aesthetic qualities of the unique tableware.

Through a special collaboration with UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy Bendigo, the menu will showcase premium regional ingredients including Husk and Harvest walnuts, Bridgeward Grove olives and indigenous flavors from Dja-Wonmuruk bush tea.  

The result is a complete sensory dialogue between food, craft and regional produce.

"The way light plays through handblown glass can have a transformative effect on the dining experience," Nick Doran Adams, a commissioned glass artist said.

“I create pieces that hold memories — whether from childhood inspirations or landscapes — and now these vessels will continue collecting new memories in the diners' homes."

The evening will begin with sparkling wine and an exploration of the Craft Lab exhibition, followed by paired wines or non-alcoholic beverages with each course. Guests will leave with their complete table settings, certificates of authenticity and artist statements.

Now in its third year and a core part of the Craft Lab program, The Great Takeaway has become a highlight in Ballarat's creative calendar.  

The event exemplifies Craft Lab's mission to connect the public with extraordinary local craft practitioners while providing meaningful professional development opportunities.  

As part of the City of Ballarat's UNESCO Creative City designation as a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, this initiative aligns with the goals of the Creative City Strategy and Council Plan 2021-2025, providing sustainable support to local artisans.

Tickets are now on sale for $295 and are strictly limited.  

For booking information and details of the commissioned artisans, visit the Creative Ballarat website.

About Craft Lab

Craft Lab is a sector development program highlighting the artisanal work of Ballarat practitioners.  

The program identifies talented makers, artisans and artists developing compelling contemporary works using traditional skills.  

Selected candidates receive intensive career advice, portfolio reviews, professional photography, and brokerage support.  

Working with Craft Victoria and the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, Craft Lab participants showcase their work in demonstrations and exhibitions during the award-winning Ballarat Heritage Festival.  

The Craft Lab exhibition will be open to the public over two weekends, 17-18 and 24-25 May. 

www.creativeballarat.com.au/craftdesign