Same great views, refreshed interior

At The Heads co-owners Tarren Colwell and Jak Evans have spent the past five years planning the restaurant’s renovations. Now their vision has become a reality.

Fourteen weeks after hosting its last fling and closing for renovations, the popular Barwon Heads restaurant has re-opened to the public with a brand-new look.

Guests can now enjoy sunset cocktails and relaxed meals in the renovated main pavilion, as well as the revamped Mulloway Room.

The Mulloway Room, once a side space, now features a second bay, a fireplace, and lounges, blending contemporary design with coastal charm. The kitchen has also been upgraded into a bigger, brighter, and more efficient space.

 

Colwell said the venue was built in the late-1990s and hadn’t undergone any major changes since then.

“When it was built, it was a bit of an unknown as to how it would function, how popular it would be.

“I guess the demand had really outstripped the facilities that we had. The back of house facilities were certainly fairly run down and it was a really inefficient design.”

With a clear idea of the floor plan, Colwell and Evans enlisted architects 3iD and Mitchell & Eades for advice on practical hospitality design.

“We had a strong preference that we wanted it to remain coastal, without being cliched, and neutral, picking up on the light blues and the sands and the colours that surround us,” Colwell said.

“We’re thrilled, absolutely thrilled, with the result — I think it’s just spectacular. It’s always had the best view and I think now we can now confidently say that the interiors certainly align with the view.”

 

Extending the Mulloway Room was a top priority. The new bar area creates a casual dining space and is one of Colwell’s favourite upgrades.

“The side room is my favourite without a doubt. Just looking out to the Barwon Heads over the jetty — all that is spectacular,” he said.

“We couldn’t be more happy with how this area in particular has turned out.”

At The Heads visitors can expect to step into a light and bright space, with the owners hoping to provide a casual experience over fine dining.

It is hoped the renovations will provide guests and diners with more than just improved aesthetics and will also improve the amenity of the building.

The reopening of the restaurant comes with a renewed focus on local produce and a seasonal menu that celebrates the character of the Bellarine region.

 

“Reopening At The Heads is about honouring the history and spirit of this landmark site while creating something new for the community to enjoy,” Evans said.

“It’s a space where people can gather — whether for a relaxed meal, drinks on the deck, or a special celebration — and feel connected to this incredible part of the world.”

While the menu will remain very similar and with a focus on 100 per cent Australian and sustainably sourced seafood, the offerings have also undergone an upgrade.

 

“That’s our focus; obviously being on the water, we still have other options, but the menu, direction and philosophy remains the same.

“We’ll have a little bit more capability with the flash new kitchen; the chefs are very happy about that.”

The team is excited for the future.

“The next five years, we’ll enjoy this as it is, we’ll enjoy today, but we just really hope that the public and the community embrace it and loves it as much as we do,” Colwell said.

For more information and to check out the new look, head to attheheads.com.au