Mornington Peninsula restrictions: Polperro, Many Little, Lorida reopen
Foodies flocking back to their favourite eateries are being asked to open their wallets and leave the kids home. Here’s why.
South East
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“Every seat has to count” when Mornington Peninsula eateries reopen and diners should expect to spend more and consider leaving the kids at home, say restaurateurs.
Jacqui Poulier will reboot Lorida in Mornington and Alatonero in McCrae and said a return to trade under tough coronavirus restrictions was a gamble.
“It’s one I’m prepared to take. I can’t wait to put food on a real plate instead of a take away box,” Ms Poulier said.
“But people need to understand that every seat has to count. Perhaps this isn’t the time to invite children to take up those seats.”
Ms Poulier said pre-covid a regular Saturday night in November would bring in about $12,000 for Lorida.
“When we reopen on Saturday we’ll only be able to have two sittings of 10 people inside.
“I’d have to charge $400 a head to make the numbers work.
“Obviously I’m not going to do that, but there will be a minimum spend.”
Under Step 2 of the road map out of lockdown - which kicked in at 11.59pm on Tuesday - restaurants, pubs and clubs are allowed to have up to 20 customers inside.
But the diners have to be split evenly between two separate rooms; a luxury many eateries don’t have.
“10 per room isn’t financially viable for most of us. Those of us that are opening now are doing it because we have to start somewhere,” Ms Poulier said.
Step 2 also allows eateries to serve up to 50 patrons outside.
But fickle spring weather made Ms Poulier reluctant to take bookings for outside tables at Lorida and Alatonero.
“We’re not doing any outdoor dining until next week and when we do it will be walk ups only.
“I can’t ask people to book a table and then sit there if it’s pouring with rain or blowing a gale.”
A minimum spend of $65 per person will apply to those booked to dine inside at Alatonero and walk up customers sitting outside will be expected to pay at least $45 each for their meal.
Director at Polperro Wines Emma Phillips said she was relieved to be welcoming back customers and thankful that one of her two eateries - Many Little Bar and Bistro – was properly set up for outdoor trade.
The eatery also has three individual spaces inside allowing it to cater for 20 diners initially and a further 10 when restrictions ease further.
Ms Phillips said the team would serve an $85 a head modern Asian feasting menu when the bistro reopened on Thursday, November 5.
Bookings were also being taken for Ms Phillips’ winery restaurant Polperro which reopens on Wednesday, November 4.
The venue will have five tables of two inside and can cater for up to 50 outside.
Ms Phillips said inside tables could not be guaranteed and customers should arrive dressed to sit outside.
A “chef’s tour” menu at $105 a head would be served with the option of adding paired wines for $60 extra per person.
She said the experience “wasn’t one for young children”.
“Let’s be honest most wouldn’t enjoy the food and while I understand the desire to include all family members in celebrations this probably isn’t the right time to do that.”
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