Drift to rebuild

A year after images of his restaurant Drift floating down Brisbane River shot around the world (right) and became one of the symbols of the devastating Queensland floods, restaurateur David Moore is hoping to soon be able to rebuild and create one of the most impressive venues the city has ever had.

"If we are able to get approval to reopen and rebuild Brisbane is going to see one of the most amazing dining and entertainment venues that we have," Moore told Hospitality following last week's emotional anniversary of the floods that devastated many Brisbane businesses.

Drift has remained closed since the floods that inundated the restaurant - formerly Oxley's on the River - and also washed a pontoon section down the river where it dramatically crashed into the Goodwill Bridge.

He has since been waiting on word from the Queensland Government on the results of his application for compensation for loss and damage under the Disaster Management Act so he can pay creditors and hopefully rebuild.

"It's up to the state government about what happens now now," said Moore who has a lease on the Milton site until 2033.

"The claim is broken into two parts, one is the rebuild and the cost of that is about $4.5m, and the other is the financial loss of the building which is basically the revenue that we've lost until the time it takes to rebuild."

Moore said he wants to continue with the concept of the original Drift. "The dream has always been to bring entertainment and dining together, Brisbane doesn't have many venues like that," said Moore.

It's concept that had proven successful with Drift being named best new restaurant at Restaurant and Catering's 2010 Savour Awards for Excellence and turnover increasing from $17,000 a week to $194,000 a week in 12 months.

Since the floods destroyed Drift, Moore and his management team including chef Romain Bapst have been focusing on running the food and beverage operations at Brookwater Golf and Country Club which includes a 130 seat restaurant which was relaunched as Drift Brookwater in May, and two function rooms, as well as providing all catering for the course.

Source: Hospitality Magazine