New tavern gets thumbs up

An Albany waterfront tavern which will be called Due South is less than a year away with construction now under way on the much anticipated project.

Plans have been in motion for the proposed tavern — which will be operated by local businessmen Trevor Cosh and Paul Lionetti — since early last year.

Roberts Gardiner Architects have designed the tavern, which will include full bistros, a bottle shop, bar and alfresco area.

Local builder Real Force will build the tavern and Mr Cosh said local tradesmen would be employed.

“We hope to finish construction in late October and be commissioning in November,” he said.

“Now that we are under way we will be pushing as fast as we can.

“It’s a new leap … we are a long-term project and we will grow with the community down there.”

Mr Cosh said he wanted to bring a strong local focus with local produce, wine and increased employment opportunities through the tavern.

“There will be considerable employment opportunities for apprenticeships,” he said.

“We plan to showcase Great Southern wine, with a real focus on local produce.”

Mr Cosh said Albany needed a waterfront tavern that could cater to a large number of patrons and he expected Due South to become an iconic venue.

“It is a waterfront offering, unlike what we have seen in the Great Southern for a while,” he said.

“We want to get this brand iconic so that people actually think Due South before they think Albany.

“We believe Albany is truly ready for this.”

Experienced hospitality manager Steve Denton will step into the role of Due South general manager.

Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Russ Clark said a waterfront tavern would be another string to Albany’s bow.

“It will add vibrancy to the waterfront as the Clippers did this week,” he said.