HE’S catered events for Tina Arena, celebrity weddings in New York and cheffed for royal families at a yachting event in Holland – now celebrity chef Barry Iddles is bringing his magic to Queenscliff.
Iddles, the well known chef, restaurateur and owner of Sorrento Catering, will re-open the iconic 360 waterfront restaurant on the harbour at Queenscliff on 8 October, and has promised it will soon be the most talked-about venue on the coast.
The Hooked on Fish Cafe Bar and Restaurant downstairs will serve breakfast and lunch seven days and cater for locals, day-trippers on the ferry from Sorrento and tourists.
But Iddles says the spectacular 360 at Q function space on the first floor is set to be the jewel in the crown of function spaces in the region.
Guests can venture up a spiral staircase to an enclosed viewing deck from which they can enjoy magnificent 360-degree views over Queenscliff’s $38 million marina, the township, Port Phillip Heads and the city of Melbourne in the distance.
“There is literally no other venue like it on the coast,” he said. “It’s very exciting to be relaunching this space which will offer not only amazing food, wines and service from our established and professional team, but also an incredibly unique experience for our guests.”
Iddles says the 140-seat venue is suited to all types of functions, and that the viewing area – which is licensed – is a real drawcard.
“We think it will make the perfect spot for photos of special occasions, whether it’s a bride and groom, a significant birthday or an engagement party,” he said.
Iddles says the venue’s reputation is speaking for itself, with several weddings already booked for February and March.
“It’s amazing that we have had several confirmed bookings and enquiries already, and the venue has not yet launched,” he said. “We can’t wait to open our doors and get to work creating memorable events for our guests.”
Iddles’ function and event management credentials are impressive. He not only catered for Tina Arena’s family lunch on her wedding day as well as her housewarming party, he created events in New York for two celebrity weddings, catered yachting events for royal families Medemblik in Holland and has cheffed for numerous weddings at Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club and at private residences on the Mornington Peninsula.
He now owns Sorrento Catering, which has the catering rights for the salubrious Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club, 333 in Melbourne, the Tarnuk Room at Australian Gardens in Cranbourne and Elk Restaurant in the Falls Creek alpine village.
Both Queenscliff restaurants will be under the watchful gaze of Head chef Mathew Hallam, who has cut this teeth with Iddles’ other successful venues over the past 12 months.
The 360 venue, co-owned by famed local vineyard identity Doug Rathbone of Rathbone Wine Group which includes Mount Langi Ghiran and Yering Station in its stable, has been closed since 2014.
