STILL AN ICON 70 YEARS ON By Melissa Walsh Photos Yanni
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teeped in history since the 1920’s, The Dava Hotel with its views across the bay still stands as an iconic and family friendly venue well into the 21st century. A sweeping staircase in the bistro dining room is a reminder of a bygone era in a hotel that proudly incorporates its history and modern day expectations. Over the past two years the venue has undergone major renovations that have given the hotel a whole new life and seen it evolve to meet customer expectations. At the same time, a five star chef, Richard Keane, was brought in to work his magic, and offer locals and tourists alike more upmarket food at mid-range pricing.
With sweeping views across Port Phillip Bay, an expansive rooftop deck bar perfect for summer drinks and casual dining, four different function rooms, a spacious modern bistro with an indoor and outdoor kids play area and a bright and airy café with an al fresco area, The Dava Hotel really does have something for everyone.
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72 | PENINSULA
January 2019
The original building has a wonderful rich history as home to The Sisters of Charity, a boarding school and preparatory school for boys in the 1920’s. A decade on in 1935, it was sold to John Ross who would redevelop the buildings as The Dava Lodge Hotel and Guest House which attracted celebrities to the shores of the bay. These days, The Dava provides a quality standard of dining and entertainment, having become reputable for its cuisine and relaxed ambience, while still maintaining its status as a family friendly venue as demonstrated by the recently launched Teens menu, the first on The Peninsula, catering to the 12-16 years’ old as well as a ‘Kids Eat Free’ deal five days a week that has been around for years. Head Chef, Richard Keane, says he decided to create a menu that would seamlessly incorporate upmarket dishes such as pan fried scallops on a bed of squid ink risotto alongside traditional pub favourites. “I think it’s important for a Hotel to evolve and offer gourmet style dishes with modern flavours alongside traditional pub