Dining vibe is a Games changer
Crowds prove good sports as Esplanade hosts party
THE Courtyard general manager Ash Graetz raises a glass of Pimm’s at the new garden bar set up to make the most of the Esplanade’s Commonwealth Games atmosphere. Restaurants are already feeling the benefits of using space freed up by the closure of part of the street, as the area hosts live music and big-screen sporting action.
BUMPER crowds for the Commonwealth Games have Esplanade restaurants and bars thinking it’s New Year’s all over again.
“I woke up this morning thinking it was New Year,” said The Courtyard general manager Ash Graetz yesterday.
“We had more people come through than I thought there would be.”
The Esplanade watering hole clocked 1500 people on Wednesday night, about triple their normal midweek trade.
Big screens and marquee seating have been installed along the Esplanade between Shields and Aplin streets so diners don’t miss any of the Games action.
The Courtyard has modelled its al fresco area on Adelaide’s Croquet Club.
“The council came to me and asked what we were thinking for the outside,” Mr Graetz said.
“I wanted to have a garden for the Courtyard bar.
“This is what tropical lifestyle is all about. Sitting outside, having a drink and a feed.”
The Esplanade was partly blocked for the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony and the opening of the Festival 2018.
It will be closed to all traffic between Aplin and Shields streets until Monday, April 16.
The marquees and big screens are part of a pedestrian-friendly dining and entertainment precinct.
“Every evening of the festival will feature live music,” Mayor Bob Manning said.
Esplanade eatery Splash Seafood Restaurant also enjoyed the midweek rush.
“It was a fantastic night, there was a nice atmosphere on the Esplanade,” said waiter Jack Donald.
Splash has tweaked its menu in honour of Prince Charles, who opened the Games and is expected to visit Bundaberg’s rum distillery today.
The nod to His Royal Highness is a dark rum, pine-orange, sugar syrup and bitters cocktail.
“We have thought about Prince Charles touring the Bundaberg Rum distillery so we’re running a Bundy Rum punch,” Mr Donald said.
The native of South London has turned into an honorary Aussie after moving to the Far North.
“I’ll be supporting Australia. I saw them beat New Zealand in the netball at the Manchester Games,” he said.
The wild-caught seafood specialists are optimistic that the Games will boost trade along the strip.
“We’re hoping it will be fantastic,” said Splash owner Megan McKay.
“Optimism is going up in anticipation that the Games will provide extra traffic for restaurants on the Esplanade.”