By Ian Neubauer
Business is booming at the Coogee Bay Hotel (CBH) a week after an alleged food contamination scandal threatened to sully the reputation of one of Australia’s busiest hotels.
The CBH has had its name dragged through the proverbial gutter following nationwide reports that a customer discovered faecal matter hidden within a bowl of ice cream served on October 5.
The dispute is still unsettled, with an investigation by the NSW Food Authority ongoing and costly DNA analysis employed to help identify the culprit.
But the scandal has had no observable effect on patronage at the CBH and its recently refurbished beachfront brasserie, which saw a full house on Saturday night (November 1).
TheShout’s editorial team, which dined at the brasserie on invitation by management, sampled a variety of dishes, including a 500gm private selection T-bone steak and flourless chocolate torte with espresso gelato.
The dishes were well presented and without a trace of contamination. The service was likewise of a high standard.
The CBH’s famous Selina’s Nightclub also saw a full capacity crowd attend a concert by The Angels and Rose Tattoo, with more than 1000 $50 tickets pre-sold and hundreds more vying for tickets on the night.
The dispute between the hotel and the aggrieved customer has also showed signs of mending, with reports surfacing that the two parties will begin a mediation process this week.