5 minute read
The Peninsula Hotel
from Hotel SA August 2021
by Boylen
NOT EVEN COVID-19 COULD STOP THE PENINSULA FROM SHINING
WORDS: LUCY BREWER
A Hollywood-style sign reading “Peninsula” beckons patrons to the refurbished The Peninsula Hotel Motel in Taperoo.
Previously the Boathouse Tavern, the site was purchased by the Dean Group of Hotels in late 2019 and taken over in March 2020, just as Australia was beginning to experience the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fortunately, the revamp was still possible.
Peter Johnson, Director and General Manager of the Dean Group, said the plan was always to rebrand and renew the Boathouse Tavern site, creating a versatile venue for local residents, corporates and businesses.
“The focus for the redevelopment was to offer something completely different, unexpected and unique on the peninsula,” he said.
The revamp was inspired by the site’s heritage, with a nod to Palm Springs and Las Vegas.
“We believe we installed originality within the hotel by keeping to the mid-century theme,” said Peter.
“All the way from our 1953 Bedford school bus and our 1964 revamped caravan which services our guests in the dining room.
“Patrons are greeted by a 50-year-old Frangipani tree and an automated opening roof imported from Italy.”
Then, of course, there’s the Hollywood-style sign. The sign spans 15 metres, and each letter is 1.5 meters in height.
“The sign appears to be floating as it’s lit up by directional lighting,” said Peter.
“Already a popular attraction in the area, people can often be seen out the front of the hotel taking pictures alongside the letters – which we have often seen appear on social media hours later.
“This has been a great guerrilla marketing tool to get people talking about the venue and engaged on social media channels.”
According to Peter, the 1953 school bus is another crowd favourite. The bus is parked indoors and has been refurbished with bench seating, terrazzo side tables, and LED lighting, and doubles as a dining and function space.
The hotel also boasts a retractable roof, booth seating, high bars, breezeblock walls, and a grassed area.
“The four large booth areas with their individual branded icons (Palm Tree, Flamingo, Crab and Martini Glass) provide the perfect private space for larger groups or families to dine, drink and socialise,” said Peter.
“The caravan, which has been wrapped in Peninsula branding and icons, sits in front of the kitchen and features a terrazzo bench top, cashiers till, POS, storage and lighting.
“The warm dining space is complemented by a large floor to ceiling gas fireplace, mid-century inspired furniture, extensive booth and bench seating, smoking area, updated bathrooms with repolished terrazzo, private function room and vibrant colours.”
The next stage of The Peninsula Hotel development process involves building a new accommodation section.
“The section will provide short and long-term accommodation for FIFO workers in the area as well as travellers to the La Fevre Peninsula,” said Peter.
“We aim to be the heartbeat of the local area, catering for families, defence project staff and new members of the community.
“We have made it part of our mission to support local and get involved with sponsoring local sporting club North Haven FC and their extended community.”
MENU
The menu is described as “welcoming diners to take a small step into the unknown, inviting them to try new flavours and textures that will be sure to delight”.
And so it does.
From Salmon Carpaccio and Turkish Lamb Dumplings, to Black Mussels and Buttermilk Fried Chicken Wings, there is an array of flavours to suit a wide range of preferences.
Main courses have traditional fare, such as steak, schnitzels and burgers. However, there are several dishes that really catch the eye, including:
• Gluten Free, Thai Banana Blossom & Ginger Poached Chicken Salad is a winner.
• Chicken Meatball Katsu with Bulldog Sauce
• Vegetarian Char Kway Teow
Wines by the glass selection is extensive, with prices ranging from $7 to $10, while Moet, Veuve Clicquot, Majella ‘The Malleea’ Cabernet Shiraz and Hentley Farm ‘Beauty’ Shiraz are available for patrons who are prepared to pay for the best.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT – PENINSULA PROUD
The pub’s website evokes the spirit of the owners, staff and the local area. “For 60 years, the property at 481 Victoria Rd has been part of the LeFevre Peninsula landscape and community,” it reads.
“It’s seen good times and bad. For better and worse. But it’s a place deserving of restoration and respect. Our investment and rejuvenation of 481 Victoria Rd – and it’s re-birth as The Peninsula Hotel – is a symbol of our commitment to the community which she serves.
“We are proud to elevate her status beyond her humble origins and look forward to partnering with the local community to ensure our combined success.”
