Gamble on new wine bar

By Jordan Poga, 6 April, 2011

Kim Gamble, original owner of controversial eateries, The Blue Duck and Barchetta, is set to open a new wine bar this May.

When Mr Gamble proposed the opening of the beach side restaurant, The Blue Duck, more than 20 years ago, he was met by unrelenting resistance from a small local group, saying his actions would destroy the natural beauty of Cottesloe’s beachfront.

He was met with similar resistance with Barchetta.

However this time it was thought that customers of the beach side restaurant would be “drunken… perverts,” Mr Gamble recalls, because it was so close to the showers and a walkway from the beach.

“They didn’t want to give me a licence for Barchetta for three years.

“All it takes is for one vocal minority to stand up and complain and that’s it,” said Mr Gamble.

However, Mr Gamble was pleased to see, this time, locals are agreeing that the aptly named “Kim’s Foodbar” is something the community really needs.

“I think it’s a great idea for the area, said local business manager, Nikki Grey.

“There hasn’t been much variety around, so I definitely think this is going to be great,” she said.

“The local community has responded strongly, indicating that there has been a desire from the community to have a please to catch up and have a glass of wine,” said local business owner, Lynne Poga.

Having travelled throughout Europe for several years, Mr Gamble returned to Perth in 1982, to open “Kim’s Bar” - the first establishment “to have a coffee machine on the bar,” he said.

With such a good record and The Blue Duck having “served over seven million customers,” Mr Gamble said.

“I wouldn’t want a bar that attracts a younger crowd so close,” said Ms Grey.

“However given the price of alcohol at these kinds of places, you aren’t going to go there to get drunk,” she said.

“I’m glad it’s there as long as they’re attracting a mature market.”

After experiencing such resistance in the past, Mr Gamble said he could only be pleased with the reception he has received, and looks forward to the opening in May.