A former trading post in the quiet town of Witchcliffe, Dear Darnell’s reopened at the tail end of 2023 as a thriving bar and diner. Co-owned by Andre Chabot and Henry Le Fanu, who also took over cult Margaret River outfit Yonder Bar in 2022, the heritage space is just what Witchy needed.
“There was an urgent need for a local pub in the region,” Chabot tells Broadsheet. “Witchcliffe is a fast-growing community, so a social place to enjoy a drink and a decent meal was a no-brainer.”
The venue is decorated with eclectic artefacts that add to the vintage feel, but the centrepiece is undoubtedly the circular bar. Above it, the head of a windmill – sails, windshaft and all – slowly spins, circulating air round the room.
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SUBSCRIBE NOWTo drink, there's a clutch of classic cocktails, as well as some seasonal creations. Beers include a hazy XPA by Pirate Life, a CBCo IPA, a seasonal tap and a house lager that more than holds its own among the bigger names. And the extensive wine list features strong representation from vineyards in the neighbouring Margaret River region.
The food menu is regularly updated, with local produce making up the bulk of the offering. Think charred octopus with smoked almonds, saffron and cos; woodfired pizzas; a classic chicken schnitzel served with a lemon and parmesan sauce; and summer gnocchi with a velvety vermouth cream and kale.
Head chef William Yarwood is well adjusted to the south-western surrounds, having previously cooked in the charcuterie-heavy kitchen at Woodlands Wines. Here, his menu focuses on smoke and fire, thanks to a well-aged recycled-brick oven. “We’re cooking with a lot of fire, love and freshness,” says Yarwood. “Our offering needs to adjust as the seasons change, but the brick woodfire oven is a constant. Expect to see beautiful, local produce coming out to you still smoking.”
Dear Darnell’s
3 Redgate Road, Witchcliffe
Hours:
Mon & Tues closed
Wed & Thu 12pm–8pm
Fri & Sat 12pm–9pm
Sun 12pm–8pm
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