Mother-son team plan premium bar at Marina
Monday March 23 2015, 3:30pm
A mother-and-son team will be bringing premium island style to Port Douglas with the development of a new bar at the Reef Marina beginning soon.
Wendy McWilliam and her son Edward McWilliam-Kerry are bringing Barbados Port Douglas to the Reef Marina, with an opening time planned for ‘August at the latest’.
With plans for the new bar approved unanimously this morning at Douglas Shire Council’s general meeting, construction will begin shortly.
Barbados will focus on premium quality beverages and bar scene, with a simpler selection of food.
“Port Douglas already has a great pub and restaurant scene, however we think there is a great opportunity for a standalone bar,” Edward said.
“We’d like to be able to put together a place where you can get a premium-quality product, with premium service for a realistic price.”
Wendy said it made perfect sense to site the bar at the Reef Marina, which is undergoing a major refurbishment.
“Put simply what we see in the Marina is an opportunity to be a part of the planned redevelopment of what is a picturesque part of Port Douglas,” she said. “Geographically it’s a beautiful location and we see a great deal of potential being positioned here".
“We have a great relationship with the Marina owners and we’re looking forward to that relationship progressing.”
Wendy, whose background lies in property development, interior design and styling, is collaborating with renowned architect Michael McCann at Dreamtime Australia Design to create the look of Barbados Port Douglas, which she describes as a ‘blend of stylish island elements and luxurious detail that will appeal to locals and tourists alike’.
Uniquely, every article of style in the bar - every chair, table, glass and more - will be available for purchase on Wendy’s website Martinique Island Style, with Barbados acting as a fully functional showroom as well as a bar.
Hospitality specialist Edward will be providing the experience and management of Barbados’s floor, bar and all other operational aspects.
“Personally I'm looking forward to the mixology aspect and being able to create some unique and special drinks."
Wendy said she and her son were looking forward to bringing the Barbados experience to Port Douglas.
“We’re very excited about it, and we want people to enjoy it too.”