Wine bar Tannins at Torquay opening in Hervey Bay

From a grand piano to extensive wine and whiskey options, the restaurant space under an old beachfront unit block has been transformed into a classy boutique bar. Take a look inside.

It’s been home to British, Italian and Indian eateries.

Now, the restaurant space under the former Delfino’s Resort at 383 the Esplanade, has been completely refurbished into a sanctuary for wine lovers.

Tannins at Torquay is nearly complete and will open next month.

For owners David Crutchley and Sam Peterson, getting to this point has been quite the journey.

The teacher and nurse worked remotely for the last 15 years and this is their first time as business owners.

“We feel like it’s bizarre everyday,” Ms Peterson said.

In 2020, the couple took two years off work to travel Europe, but their plans were cut short in France with the start of the pandemic.

Being a nurse, Ms Peterson knew once she heard about the virus they needed to get back to Australia.

She was offered a nursing position in Hervey Bay, and the couple moved from the small country town of Springsure, near Emerald.

Owner David Crutchley outside Tannins At Torquay. Photo: Sam Peterson.

After arriving in the Bay, they saw an opportunity.

“We couldn’t find anywhere that we considered nice to sit down for a glass of relaxing wine,” Mr Crutchley said.

When they saw the space formerly occupied by Nilma for sale, they decided to “create” the kind of place they wanted to go on a Friday or Saturday evening.

They’ve done all the renovations and interior decorating themselves, from laying floors to lining walls.

“We want to create a place that we would love to come to,” Ms Peterson said.

The wine list at Tannins offers an extensive selection and nearly all are Australian, with a few Kiwi sips in the mix.

“An oasis for wine lovers,” Mr Crutchley said.

Tannins at Torquay offers an extensive range of Australian wines and whiskeys. Photo: Sam Peterson.

Tannins customers will be able to enjoy wines sourced from boutique wineries, along with unusual varieties that aren’t readily available in major outlets.

For those who prefer something different, Tannins also offers a range of Australian distilled whiskeys, and boutique gins.

The owners have decided on no cocktails, shots or loud music in order to create a relaxing atmosphere with comfortable seating and music from a grand piano.

“We’d like this to be the place to come where you might come to propose or on a special occasion,” Ms Peterson said.

The bar has a digital grand piano for diners to listen to while enjoying a glass, or many, of wine. Photo: Sam Peterson.

Along with wine, there will be food platters for sharing.

“The focus is on the wine, the food just highlights the wine,” Ms Peterson said.

Tannins at Torquay opens on July 1. Bookings are essential.