There’s something special about places that hold a little bit of history and a whole lot of heart. A beloved spot in North Fremantle — sitting pretty at 1 Harvest Road — is about to open its doors once again. This time as The Bridge House — a new restaurant that beautifully honours the past while creating something fresh and exciting for the future.
Set to open at the end of October, The Bridge House is much more than just a restaurant revival. It’s a warm embrace of everything this cherished site was adored for — a place where people gathered for unforgettable meals and shared stories while creating lasting memories.
Fulfilling a lifelong dream
At the helm is Perth businessman George Grundy, who’s fulfilling a lifelong dream of opening a restaurant that blends his passion for good food, wine, and community.
Once a charming home, the restaurant is now adorned with beautifully designed spaces — including a 10-seater private dining room, a stunning front garden, and a versatile outdoor area — perfect for everything from intimate dinners to garden parties with friends.
After extensive renovations designed to layer the old bones with a warm, contemporary feel and moody lighting, Grundy has spent the past year building a team that will work with his vision of a restaurateur-led space. A restaurant that blends casual comfort with sophisticated elegance and preserves the nostalgic charm of the 1925 building that houses it.
Modern Australian with a European flair
Leading the kitchen and serving a modern Australian menu with a European twist will be Chef Trent Dawson who comes from Nikola Estate and Hamilton Island Enterprises in Queensland. While the wine program will showcase both old and new world selections.
“There are about 40 things that contribute to a positive restaurant experience,” Grundy said.
“The food is, of course, by far the most important, and in Trent Dawson, I believe we have someone who can consistently produce delicious, perfectly cooked dishes. But what I think The Bridge House will consistently deliver is a friendly, relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, the kind of restaurant that you’d dream about having at the end of your street.”
Venue Manager Sophie Visser — who was formerly at TOMA — will bring her expertise to create a delightfully warm atmosphere that invites guests to revel in the charm and stay a little longer. Be it for a casual meal or a celebratory night out, The Bridge House promises to be the kind of place where locals and visitors alike feel right at home.
Sharing a meal: one of life’s greatest pleasures
Grundy grew up in the UK and has been in Perth since his 20s. His first job in a pub was, as it happens, at The Bridge House in Windsor. It’s where the seeds of hospitality were planted, although a business career took him down a very different path. Successful, yes, but creatively stimulating, no.
“I think that sharing a meal with special people is one of life’s greatest pleasures.”
So, while he wants his restaurant to reflect his own experience of eating in great — both humble and grand — places around the world, he said it’s not about his ego.
“I’m happy for the chef and the staff to be the heroes, and as long as the customers leave saying they’ve had a great time, I’ve done my part.”
He’s also particularly cognisant of the responsibility that comes with recommissioning 1 Harvest Road, along with the multiple challenges of being a first-time restaurateur.
“I can’t think of anything more exciting than the opportunity to bring new life to such a beloved venue. I’ve lost count of the number of people who’ve stopped to talk and said how much they love the place and can’t wait to see it reopen.”
Neither can we.
The Bridge House is set to open its doors at the end of October, marking the beginning of a new and exciting chapter for Harvest Road.
