It is the pet name given to York’s Imperial Hotel by previous owners. It is a euphemism that somehow defines the last two decades of this historic hostelry’s fortunes- its fickle finger of fate.
Little demons have caused financial havoc. One a threat by one owner was to bulldoze it to the ground, the others spending a fortune to make it a first-class establishment only to suffer from the disinterest of most, but not all, locals. Finally being forced to shut the door on an empty bar, restaurant and accommodation.
In 2008 The Imp was at the height of its renaissance. Its semi- French interior décor was the equal of any similar venue in the Metropolitan Area. In fact given its age and style it was almost unique.
Sunday Sessions with musical entertainment could see a crowd of at least 100 gather with many tourists, including regulars from Northam, but few locals.
They were halcyon days with standing room only in bars. One becoming known as ‘Wear the Fox Hat’ a name requiring phonetic introspection relating to an often used, rude word.
And a restaurant, the Eboracum, the original Latin place name for York, UK, serving a distinctly French menu. All too much for many of the less urbane in the community.
The failure by those owners to encourage the sweaty jockstrap sporting clubs was one dimension in the downfall.
But the major factor was the theft from the York Tourist Bureau Inc. followed by support for the thief, and then revenge by the removal of the YTB’s financial support. In hindsight something the Shire of York had an obligation to provide and, besides the thief, it all should have ended up in a court of law.
Instead the Shire was more than happy to strangle the tourism and Event goose that had previously laid the golden egg.
Around this time In the ‘Where the F-ck’s that’ bar a prominent local was overheard to say York is my town and meant it as being his own, personal possession, a fiefdom. Given what has happened since he certainly foxed that up. And of course the disastrous, Shire owned, Forest Bar and Café/ Tavern was added to the mix of which this person had an interest.
The new owners of The Imp are local and any major focus on attracting a local market only, could prove to be a stumbling block to success.
Despite the State’s economic and tourism downturn there is still lucrative niche markets to be found among Perth’s population of an estimated 2.2 to 2.3 million, of which around 25,000 is a mainly financially secure LBGT community with tourism dollars to spend. That is just one of numerous options.
Obviously, as the previous owners found out as overall business and their business model started to fail,
do not get shit-listed on Urbanspoon or Tripadvisor by being accused of causing guests’ a hemorrhage from the wallet or to suffer from food poisoning.
No city slicker wants to be ripped-off by a country bumpkin. In fact they want country businesses to feel eternally grateful that they bothered to turn up. City customers feel that business costs , including commercial land-rates are far less in places like York therefore a $40 sirloin should be $22.50.
This can be a problem whether it is true or not.
The new owners have already had two free kicks with both The West Australian and Channel 7, Perth doing positive stories on the Imp’s future rebirth.
A financial valuation of such promotional advertising exposure is at least $15,000 while being viewed by a potential total audience of between 100,000 and 200,000 depending on whose circulation and viewing figures you believe.
One problem could be these two positives are too far ahead of the opening day in late June to have a massive interest impact. Readers and viewers retentive memories are like how long is a piece of string.
There is nothing wrong with the from ‘Paddock to Plate’ regional food philosophy that has been derived from the original Slow Food Movement, developed in Italy 32 years ago.
The Imp and York itself could have been at the forefront of this new culinary ideology a decade ago.
This letter was sent by me to the Shire of York in April, 2008.
Mr. Pat Hooper
President
The Shire of York
1 Joaquina Street
YORK WA 6302
Dear Pat,
Ref: Fresh Local Produce Markets-York
I approach you on behalf of the owners of the Imperial Hotel regarding their proposal to Council to provide a monthly, fresh produce market day on their premises.
You would be aware they have created a first-class dining and accommodation establishment in York that is arguable of international standard and an ideal location for such a market.
You would also be aware of the Slow-Foods philosophy sweeping the world promoting the freshness and quality of agricultural produce, how it should be prepared and how it is consumed. It is a combination of the best food ingredients, preparation and presentation with the end result consumed at a slow pace, in a convivial atmosphere.
Fresh local produce markets are an integral part of the world-wide Slow-Foods Movement.
York is the cradle of Western Australian agriculture and should be continually and vigorously promoted as such.
There is a proliferation of fresh, local produce markets in all Australian states, often based in tourist destinations in close proximity to the capital cities.
York fits all these criteria and more.
I would hope you approve and assist, where possible, this new and essential local, fresh produce market and its facilitation.
Yours sincerely
David Taylor
on-behalf of
MAX TRENORDEN
MEMBER FOR AVON.
I also provided a the following to the Imp owners as a promotional vehicle for their markets.
THE CONVIVIUM
Leaves gently rustling, kissed by wafting breezes
Dappled light spilling across white linen
Children chortling, amid deeper adult voices and laughter
Family and friends gathered to share their lives, their love
and a meal carefully chosen
The meal-a work of art- slowly created
A culinary tapestry of taste sensations, some long forgotten-
now to be fondly recalled
Senses warm to aromatic hedonism and sensual flavours of
essential freshness- infused with purity
Clatter of cutlery on plates, the melodious chime of glasses
Both a salute to the feast and to life
Slow food- glorious food
To be consumed when at peace with the world
Tranquility reigns as shadows stretch out to join together in the
cool of the evening
Hours of one of the purist of pleasure pass unnoticed
Little demons have caused financial havoc. One a threat by one owner was to bulldoze it to the ground, the others spending a fortune to make it a first-class establishment only to suffer from the disinterest of most, but not all, locals. Finally being forced to shut the door on an empty bar, restaurant and accommodation.
In 2008 The Imp was at the height of its renaissance. Its semi- French interior décor was the equal of any similar venue in the Metropolitan Area. In fact given its age and style it was almost unique.
Sunday Sessions with musical entertainment could see a crowd of at least 100 gather with many tourists, including regulars from Northam, but few locals.
They were halcyon days with standing room only in bars. One becoming known as ‘Wear the Fox Hat’ a name requiring phonetic introspection relating to an often used, rude word.
And a restaurant, the Eboracum, the original Latin place name for York, UK, serving a distinctly French menu. All too much for many of the less urbane in the community.
The failure by those owners to encourage the sweaty jockstrap sporting clubs was one dimension in the downfall.
But the major factor was the theft from the York Tourist Bureau Inc. followed by support for the thief, and then revenge by the removal of the YTB’s financial support. In hindsight something the Shire of York had an obligation to provide and, besides the thief, it all should have ended up in a court of law.
Instead the Shire was more than happy to strangle the tourism and Event goose that had previously laid the golden egg.
Around this time In the ‘Where the F-ck’s that’ bar a prominent local was overheard to say York is my town and meant it as being his own, personal possession, a fiefdom. Given what has happened since he certainly foxed that up. And of course the disastrous, Shire owned, Forest Bar and Café/ Tavern was added to the mix of which this person had an interest.
The new owners of The Imp are local and any major focus on attracting a local market only, could prove to be a stumbling block to success.
Despite the State’s economic and tourism downturn there is still lucrative niche markets to be found among Perth’s population of an estimated 2.2 to 2.3 million, of which around 25,000 is a mainly financially secure LBGT community with tourism dollars to spend. That is just one of numerous options.
Obviously, as the previous owners found out as overall business and their business model started to fail,
do not get shit-listed on Urbanspoon or Tripadvisor by being accused of causing guests’ a hemorrhage from the wallet or to suffer from food poisoning.
No city slicker wants to be ripped-off by a country bumpkin. In fact they want country businesses to feel eternally grateful that they bothered to turn up. City customers feel that business costs , including commercial land-rates are far less in places like York therefore a $40 sirloin should be $22.50.
This can be a problem whether it is true or not.
The new owners have already had two free kicks with both The West Australian and Channel 7, Perth doing positive stories on the Imp’s future rebirth.
A financial valuation of such promotional advertising exposure is at least $15,000 while being viewed by a potential total audience of between 100,000 and 200,000 depending on whose circulation and viewing figures you believe.
One problem could be these two positives are too far ahead of the opening day in late June to have a massive interest impact. Readers and viewers retentive memories are like how long is a piece of string.
There is nothing wrong with the from ‘Paddock to Plate’ regional food philosophy that has been derived from the original Slow Food Movement, developed in Italy 32 years ago.
The Imp and York itself could have been at the forefront of this new culinary ideology a decade ago.
This letter was sent by me to the Shire of York in April, 2008.
Mr. Pat Hooper
President
The Shire of York
1 Joaquina Street
YORK WA 6302
Dear Pat,
Ref: Fresh Local Produce Markets-York
I approach you on behalf of the owners of the Imperial Hotel regarding their proposal to Council to provide a monthly, fresh produce market day on their premises.
You would be aware they have created a first-class dining and accommodation establishment in York that is arguable of international standard and an ideal location for such a market.
You would also be aware of the Slow-Foods philosophy sweeping the world promoting the freshness and quality of agricultural produce, how it should be prepared and how it is consumed. It is a combination of the best food ingredients, preparation and presentation with the end result consumed at a slow pace, in a convivial atmosphere.
Fresh local produce markets are an integral part of the world-wide Slow-Foods Movement.
York is the cradle of Western Australian agriculture and should be continually and vigorously promoted as such.
There is a proliferation of fresh, local produce markets in all Australian states, often based in tourist destinations in close proximity to the capital cities.
York fits all these criteria and more.
I would hope you approve and assist, where possible, this new and essential local, fresh produce market and its facilitation.
Yours sincerely
David Taylor
on-behalf of
MAX TRENORDEN
MEMBER FOR AVON.
I also provided a the following to the Imp owners as a promotional vehicle for their markets.
THE CONVIVIUM
Leaves gently rustling, kissed by wafting breezes
Dappled light spilling across white linen
Children chortling, amid deeper adult voices and laughter
Family and friends gathered to share their lives, their love
and a meal carefully chosen
The meal-a work of art- slowly created
A culinary tapestry of taste sensations, some long forgotten-
now to be fondly recalled
Senses warm to aromatic hedonism and sensual flavours of
essential freshness- infused with purity
Clatter of cutlery on plates, the melodious chime of glasses
Both a salute to the feast and to life
Slow food- glorious food
To be consumed when at peace with the world
Tranquility reigns as shadows stretch out to join together in the
cool of the evening
Hours of one of the purist of pleasure pass unnoticed
It is the way it should be- the sustenance of life, sustaining
the soul.
David. G Taylor
The response from the Shire of York, vintage 2008, was deafening silence clearly defining its attitude to tourism and to York’s tourism industry. It will be interesting to see how responsive and proactive the current Shire is.
The suggestion to the new owners is to do two things.
Develop at least four signature dishes, unique as possible by using the very best of local produce, to attract the attention and a review by Rob Broadfield, The West Australian’s Food Critic. A 15 to 17 out of 20 should guarantee reasonable gourmand interest from the Perth Knife & Fork Set.
Achieve a high standard of exterior and interior décor and customer service. Then call on Stephen Scourfield, The West Australian’s national award winning Travel Editor to write a feature article on the rejuvenation of an historic 19th Century hotel providing 21st Century luxury.
York, one of Australia’s oldest and most historic towns, does not have a dedicated, professional Tourism Promotions and Marketing Officer. It is probably the only town of its type that does not.
So good luck to the Imp team.
David Taylor.
the soul.
David. G Taylor
The response from the Shire of York, vintage 2008, was deafening silence clearly defining its attitude to tourism and to York’s tourism industry. It will be interesting to see how responsive and proactive the current Shire is.
The suggestion to the new owners is to do two things.
Develop at least four signature dishes, unique as possible by using the very best of local produce, to attract the attention and a review by Rob Broadfield, The West Australian’s Food Critic. A 15 to 17 out of 20 should guarantee reasonable gourmand interest from the Perth Knife & Fork Set.
Achieve a high standard of exterior and interior décor and customer service. Then call on Stephen Scourfield, The West Australian’s national award winning Travel Editor to write a feature article on the rejuvenation of an historic 19th Century hotel providing 21st Century luxury.
York, one of Australia’s oldest and most historic towns, does not have a dedicated, professional Tourism Promotions and Marketing Officer. It is probably the only town of its type that does not.
So good luck to the Imp team.
David Taylor.
This is pretty much what I was thinking, I too wish them some luck. Some really nice work done there!
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