Former Hentley Farm Restaurant executive chef Clare Falzon to open own venue, Staguni, in old Barossa Valley school

The former executive chef at one of the state’s top regional restaurants has announced plans to open her own venue – in an old school.

The former executive chef at one of the state’s top regional restaurants has announced plans to open her own venue in an old school in the Barossa Valley.

A year after leaving Hentley Farm Restaurant, Clare Falzon will launch Staguni, a Mediterranean eatery inspired by her Maltese heritage, just minutes away from her old kitchen.

The new restaurant will be located in the old Marananga school building on Seppeltsfield Road in the heart of the Barossa Valley. It’s expected to open this spring.

Falzon said Staguni – which means ‘seasons’ in Maltese – will be influenced by European eateries and offer an “intimate, yet relaxed dining experience”.

“Authenticity, creativity, comfort, connection and a sense of place, is my focus, really creating a dining space which celebrates the things I admire about food and hospitality experiences,” she said.

Former Hentley Farm head chef Clare Falzon to open a new Barossa Valley restaurant in the old Marananga School. Picture: Andy Ellis.

Staguni Former Hentley Farm head chef Clare Falzon to open a new Barossa Valley restaurant in the old Marananga School. Picture: Andy Ellis.

“I’ve happily found myself a part of a community in the Barossa, and I’m excited to be able to build something new in the place I adore.”

There will be ala carte and set menu dining options and outdoor seating will accommodate afternoon drinks and snacks.

Falzon has experience in London, Amsterdam and Sydney, working at restaurants such as Gordon Ramsay’s Maze and Petrus, and Sydney’s Nomad.

She joined the team at Hentley Farm in 2018 as sous, followed by head chef, before stepping in the executive chef role in 2020.

Falzon has received several accolades including delicious. Magazines National Produce Awards Next Generation Chef of the Year in 2022, and was nominated for The Advertiser’s Woman of the Year Award in 2023.