Bar Olé might have opened on Friday the 13th this month, but they’ve had nothing but luck so far as the community revels in the new venue spicing up Applecross, with more to come.
The new seasonal tapas restaurant was at capacity on its opening night as locals flocked to experience the latest dining venture, soon to be joined by The Heart, an upscale pub opening in May.
Co-owner Ryan Esqulant said this was the beginning of his vision for a new “entertainment precinct” for Applecross.
“It’s at the bottom of an apartment block called Riviere, with a beautiful view of the foreshore,” he said.
“I’m trying to do a new entertainment precinct here. We’ll have Bar Olé, which is Spanish tapas, and then The Heart will be the pub.
“We’ll have an Italian offering, a grill, and a Japanese-style menu, which we named UBON.
“My wife and I looked around Applecross, and there’s just not that much of an offering. What we do, there’s nothing like it.”
Camera IconSpanish tapas inspired Bar Olé is the latest addition to the Applecross dining scene. Credit: ShotbyThom
Bar Olé serves Spanish inspired tapas led by head chef Mattia Gattini, with signature dishes such as paella, chorizo and fresh local seafood designed to be shared.
Sister venue The Heart will offer classic pub fare, an Italian pizza oven and Japanese cuisine, forming a unique dining experience that provides “something for everyone”.
The 800sqm Canning Beach Road site was originally marked for smaller units, but Mr Esqulant said he amalgamated the land to create space for the restaurants, which are more aligned to community needs.
“The apartment blocks going up and high-density living here is insane. It’s becoming a mini satellite city here,” he said.
“People need more offerings, and hopefully we’ll deliver. They need that community.”
Bar Olé is licensed for 240 people, and Mr Esqulant said they are hopeful The Heart will be licensed for 300 to 400.
He said the community response so far has been “unbelievable”.
“We’ve been getting ‘thank yous’ for bringing something new and vibrant to Applecross,” he said.
“People who have been here 40-odd years are saying it’s just what they needed, and with the views we’ve got it’s absolutely breath-taking. We’re very lucky.”
Mr Esqulant is also the co-founder of the family-run hospitality group ELG Australia, alongside his wife Nikki.
Camera IconBar Olé owners are husband and wife duo Ryan and Nikki Esqulant. Credit: Supplied
Bar Olé is the sixth addition to their portfolio, which also includes Hillarys Beach Club, Bar Olé Iluka, Yanchep Beach Club and summer pop up, and Sorrento Beach Club.
Bar Olé and The Heart mark ELG Australia’s debut south of the river.
“One of the main business requirements is a view,” Mr Esqulant said.
“Our places up north have all got amazing views of the Indian Ocean, and now we’ve got a beautiful view of the Swan River.”
Mr Esqulant said ELG Australia is cooking up more ideas for the future.
“There’s an influx of new people coming to WA, it’s such a young State with a lot to offer,” he said.
“There’s plenty of opportunity here still. We’re looking forward to creating more nice venues for the WA community.”