Dale Phelan and bartender Jacqueline Upstone at the Spottiswoode 83512 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT
By VANESSA CHIRCOP
A NEW foodie venue has opened in Hobsons Bay.
The Spottiswoode, on Hudsons Rd Spotswood, has turned its back on its sordid past as a stripper pub and has been reignited as a classic gastropub.
Owner Dale Phelan, who has a long history in the hospitality industry in Hobsons Bay – setting up venues like Sam’s Boat Shed and Pelicans Landing – said the history of the venue gave the hotel a bit of character.
“It has taken off like a rocket, which is good,” he said.
The building, which was designed by Frederick Woolfe and constructed in 1888, was renovated for six months before opening last week.
Dale said the Spottiswoode Hotel has evolved from its colourful and somewhat tawdry past into an innovative Gastropub hotel.
With 12 beers on tap – plus ciders and an extensive menu – the venue is open between noon and 10.30pm seven days a week, with breakfast and a stand-up comedy night likely to be introduced soon.
“We’ve got so many ideas,” Phelan said.
“I think they’ll (the locals) will love us to death.”
