12/02/2002 - 21:00

Vat team saddles up to conquer more northerly parts

By Catie Low

12/02/2002 - 21:00

BOUYED by the success of Vat 107 in Margaret River, a new restaurant is under construction a little further north.

BOUYED by the success of Vat 107 in Margaret River, a new restaurant is under construction a little further north.

The $4 million restaurant development, positioned on the harbour in Bunbury, is the first in what might be a series of Vats around the State.

Vat 107 owners Jenny Spencer and Gary Cream have teamed up with local businessman Nigel Gallop to realise their vision.

And there are plans for further expansion, although Ms Spencer is convinced a hands-on attitude underpins the success of Vat 107 in Margaret River.

In 2001, Vat 107 was the winner of the Western Australian & Australian Tourism Awards for Tourism Restaurants.

The beachside location on Casurina Drive in Bunbury will be transformed into a building site over the next couple of weeks as construction begins on Bunbury’s newest dining experience.

The location has caused some ructions in the community as it runs right down to the beach.

Vat 107 owner Jenny Spencer said the lot ran right down to the sand on the harbour in Bunbury.

“Most property in this position is on leasehold pretty much anywhere in Australia, whereas we’ve actually purchased the land,” Ms Spencer said.

The land was part of subdivision undertaken by Landcorp to support further development in Bunbury.

“It’s actually called Vat 2 because it’s number two Casurina Drive – we decided to continue the theme from Vat 107, which is number 107 Bussel Highway in Margaret River,” Ms Spencer said.

“It’s about two kilometres from the city centre, right in the harbour adjacent to where the boats are moored.”

The design of the new restaurant is being kept tightly under wraps, but is expected to be quite different to Vat 107.

“When we started here (in Margaret River) the interior blew everyone away. People said Melbourne was visiting WA,” Ms Spencer said. “With this one we’re trying to take it to the next level.”

However, the building will include a number of different spaces, including a function room for up to 70 people.

It also will include a wine room, a bar and a restaurant with a big lounge and alfresco area.

“If some big company wants to hire out the whole thing it could fit about 200 people, we’ve made it quite versatile,” Ms Spencer said.

Vat 107 chef Dani Angove will take on the role of executive chef for both Vat 107 and Vat 2.

“Some of the staff are going up to Bunbury and I’ll be in my car between both places,” Ms Spencer said.

“Initially I’ll have to be in Bunbury, but we’ve also got three residences above the restaurant.

“I’m a Margaret River girl and once we get it to a point where I’m happy with it, I’ll commute.”

It’s taken about 20 months to get to construction stage, due to concerns from nearby residents about the nature of the development and the loss of their ocean views

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