Long-term plans for Summer Salt include a function space,and a new private dining room.SuppliedWhen Drakopoulos gets the keys to Summer Salt on Thursday,February 1,he’ll enjoy sand between his toes and salt in his nostrils given its location,on the dunes of a surf beach.
Since opening in 2005,Summer Salt gained international exposure as the venue of choice of a certain British tourist,Prince Harry, in 2015. The restaurant is under the watch of local industry veteran,chef Carl Jensen and his wife Brooke. Located in the one-time gym at the Elouera Surf Club,the Jensens are proud of its role in training a generation of local hospitality talent.
Brooke Jensen says they’ll finish up on Sunday,January 21 with “our farewell party to the shire”. Drakopoulos doesn’t intend to make wholesale change early,saying he’ll retain the Summer Salt moniker.
“It does need a big makeover,” he says. Long-term plans at the sprawling 170-seat restaurant will allow for a function space,and a new private dining room. The venue will also increase its hours to be a seven-day operation.
Summer Salt sits above the dunes of Elouera Beach.SuppliedThe incoming menu will focus on “coastal Australian with a Mediterranean influence”. Drakopoulos is keen to price it with a low-level entry point,but with enough luxe menu items that it can also cater for special occasion dining. He’s also keen to retain current staff.
Asked about his acquisition strategy when he purchased Sails in May,Drakopoulos says he focuses on unique properties rather than massive waterfront developments.