Haro’s, the dining room at the Sidney Pier Hotel and Spa, will close Jan. 1 for an extensive renovation before it re-opens in the spring as 10 Acres at the Pier.
Restaurateur Mike Murphy, who owns the 10 Acres Farm and Restaurant Group that includes a Saanich Peninsula farm as well the 10 Acres Bistro and Commons in downtown Victoria, will take over the space in the new year with plans for a reinvented dining room and patio.
“We’re really excited about it,” said Murphy. “The Peninsula is growing, younger families are coming out here and the key thing is our farm is out there as are many of our suppliers and growers, so we’re delighted to be out there and closer to them.”
He also noted they love the location. “We like the Pier Hotel to start with. It is a great property and that is a stunning piece of waterfront It’s a great spot and to be part of the hotel we think it’s an outstanding fit for us to be able to join them.”
The 140-seat dining room will be closed for just over two months as it undergoes renovations to the dining room and modifications to the kitchen.
Murphy said they intend to warm up the room by using more wood decor and adding fireplaces. There are also plans for a large bar that will include an oyster shucking ceviche stations.
Murphy said the 30 staff that will be affected by the closure will likely be offered positions with the new restaurant, and may not be off work for long.
He said between the farm, which will be planting a large orchard in February, construction at the new restaurant and his two downtown restaurants, there will be a spot for them.
The cafe at the hotel will remain open; 10 Acres will take over that spot as of March 15.
