First Look inside Gold Coast restaurateur’s new rustic venue

A new Gold Coast venue is turning heads as word grows over the quirky restaurant. SEE THE PHOTOS

Fellini restaurant owner Carlo Percuoco has started a new venture The Barn, on a rustic Mudgeeraba wedding venue site he runs. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

A GOLD Coast restaurateur who had to shut his popular Marina Mirage eatery during the coronavirus pandemic is starting a “quirky” new rustic venue targeting Queenslanders and local families.

Fellini restaurant owner Carlo Percuoco has started a new venture The Barn, on a rustic Mudgeeraba wedding venue site he runs. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Fellini Italian restaurant owner Carlo Percuoco is launching a locals-focused concept called The Barn at his long-running wedding and corporate function venue EcoStudio Fellini at Mudgeeraba.

A cosy fireplace inside The Barn. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

The new venue is targeted at families. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

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The EcoStudio farm already boasts animal enclosures for interaction, lodges and gardens, while The Barn will cater for 35 patrons inside and a further 35 to 40 on a deck and beer garden outside.

The outdise dining area at new venue The Barn. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Mr Percuoco said the EcoStudio had a proud 15-year history hosting weddings and social occasions but now was time to add something extra.

The Barn would offer a mix of Italian and Japanese fare “with a few little quirky things on there too”.

The Barn will offer a mix of Italian and Japanese fare. Picture Glenn Hampson.

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“At the moment we can only target Queenslanders and the lodges have been going really well. We’re giving it a nudge and doing a bit extra to it. Hopefully it’s COVID proof.

“It’s a pretty cool spot, we have lots of antiques, old farm equipment.”

Chickens at new venture The Barn, on a rustic Mudgeeraba wedding venue site. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

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The Barn will initially open – after a soft Sunday session launch this weekend for invited guests – for Saturday and Sunday breakfasts plus lunch and dinner Thursday through Sunday.

“We’ll start with that and see how it goes.”

Lambs at new venture The Barn. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Asked about the outlook for Fellini, Mr Percuoco said the Main Beach restaurant – a hotspot since 1993 which has been closed during the pandemic – had a customer base of 70 per cent tourists.

“I’d have to have rocks in my head to reopen that now.”

Originally published as First Look inside Gold Coast restaurateur’s new rustic venue