Australia

New look Arc of Iris opens doors for launch party

Margaret River restaurant Arc of Iris unveiled a new look on Monday evening at the official launch of the revamped iconic local eatery. Celebrating the opening of the new restaurant and cocktail lounge bar, more than 100 local South West guests sampled new menu items and cocktails. Arc of Iris owner Sarah Griffiths said the upgrades, which saw the venue expand into the ex-Katch Up Grill premises, were an important step in the life of the restaurant. “Todays diners are very discerning, they are coming from all over the world and expectations are high. “We have had to evolve and provide a setting that does justice to our wonderful food and our staff who work so hard to provide an excellent service. “There has been a definite shift in the way people eat out and whilst some still want the three course fine dining experience – which we still offer as part of our fine dining menu – many people want smaller meals so they can have a selection of flavours, they want to mix and match and share.” The new Arc offers a more casual, cocktails-and-share-plates style of dining in what Ms Griffiths said was a modern and comfortable setting at an affordable price. “We hope this is a showcase venue that the whole region can be proud of,” she said. “The new premises have been totally refurbished, with huge painted walls by Fremantle company Painted Earth to give it an industrial chic look and feel. The new look is more “luxury eclectic by design, rather than op-shop eclectic,” said Ms Griffiths. Funky, industrial light fittings and a hand made jarrah bar using local wood and contractors give the space an authentic Margaret River feel with a modern edge. “Some of the eclectic pieces of furniture from the original restaurant have been kept and are now mixed with chic couches and tables.” At the Monday night launch, guests enjoyed the jazzy sounds of local musician Michelle Spriggs and sipped Howard Park wines, while a selection of canapes were served and bar manager Max Malcolm whipped up Gin Berry Mojitos from the Margaret River Distilling Co. “We were commenting on the cocktails, the gin berry mojito – that was a cracker! I could easily sit there and consume a few of those,” Augusta resident Pam Winter commented after the party. The new premises will host regular music nights, sourced from local South West talent. For a bit of Christmas cheer, Arc of Iris owners Sarah and Marc Griffiths are inviting people to try out the new Arc with $8 pints until Thursday December 20. The Arc of Iris is now open 7 days; Monday to Friday 4pm – late; Weekends 11:30am – late. Bookings www.arcofiris.com.au

Grinnin' for gin: Arc of Iris bar manager Max Malcolm whips up some cocktails at the new look restaurant and lounge bar. Photos: Supplied

Margaret River restaurant Arc of Iris unveiled a new look on Monday evening at the official launch of the revamped iconic local eatery.

Celebrating the opening of the new restaurant and cocktail lounge bar, more than 100 local South West guests sampled new menu items and cocktails.

Arc of Iris owner Sarah Griffiths said the upgrades, which saw the venue expand into the ex-Katch Up Grill premises, were an important step in the life of the restaurant.

“Todays diners are very discerning, they are coming from all over the world and expectations are high.

“We have had to evolve and provide a setting that does justice to our wonderful food and our staff who work so hard to provide an excellent service.

“There has been a definite shift in the way people eat out and whilst some still want the three

course fine dining experience – which we still offer as part of our fine dining menu – many people want smaller meals so they can have a selection of flavours, they want to mix and match and share.”

The new look space offers both a traditional fine dining menu as well as a more casual eating experience.

The new look space offers both a traditional fine dining menu as well as a more casual eating experience.

The new Arc offers a more casual, cocktails-and-share-plates style of dining in what Ms Griffiths said was a modern and comfortable setting at an affordable price.

“We hope this is a showcase venue that the whole region can be proud of,” she said.

Guests at the official launch party were treated to drinks, canapes and live music from Michelle Spriggs.

Guests at the official launch party were treated to drinks, canapes and live music from Michelle Spriggs.

“The new premises have been totally refurbished, with huge painted walls by Fremantle company Painted Earth to give it an industrial chic look and feel.

The new look is more “luxury eclectic by design, rather than op-shop eclectic,” said Ms Griffiths.

Funky, industrial light fittings and a hand made jarrah bar using local wood and contractors give the space an authentic Margaret River feel with a modern edge.

“Some of the eclectic pieces of furniture from the original restaurant have been kept and are now mixed with chic couches and tables.”

At the Monday night launch, guests enjoyed the jazzy sounds of local musician Michelle Spriggs and sipped Howard Park wines, while a selection of canapes were served and bar manager Max Malcolm whipped up Gin Berry Mojitos from the Margaret River Distilling Co.

“We were commenting on the cocktails, the gin berry mojito – that was a cracker! I could easily sit there and consume a few of those,” Augusta resident Pam Winter commented after the party.

The new premises will host regular music nights, sourced from local South West talent. For a bit of Christmas cheer, Arc of Iris owners Sarah and Marc Griffiths are inviting people to try out the new Arc with $8 pints until Thursday December 20.

The Arc of Iris is now open 7 days; Monday to Friday 4pm – late; Weekends 11:30am – late. Bookings www.arcofiris.com.au

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Margaret River Mail

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