Coconut Grove Tavern
An enterprising entertainer
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Bill Oddy is one of the Perth’s most experienced hospitality entrepreneurs. His long-standing relationship with Northbridge began in 1979 when his first club Eagle One opened.
Eagle One was the second disco style nightclub venue to open in Northbridge. Featuring walls lined with mirrors and black shag carpet, a multi-coloured light-up dance floor and many mirrored disco balls, it was like something from the set of Saturday Night Fever, the popular film that inspired disco sub-culture in the 1970s.
Dressed to impress, club goers dance the night away at Eagle One in 1980.
Courtesy State Library of Western Australia b6121804_1 -
Venues like Eagle One brought a sophistication to the market not previously seen in Northbridge. Quality fit outs, high dress standards, notable entertainers and promotional events attracted a more refined customer base.
Prior to the 1970s, entertainment in the area was slightly more illicit, with illegal gambling dens and brothels thriving under the tolerance of authorities. Those days are long gone and now Northbridge is recognised as Perth’s premier entertainment precinct.
Bill Oddy outside Hannibal’s Nightclub in the mid 1980s. The club on Lake Street was rebranded several times, trading also as Havana’s, The Church and The Library.
Courtesy Entertainment Enterprises Pty Ltd -
Over a career spanning more than four decades, Bill has been involved in more than 30 venues. His portfolio has included 1980s and 1990s icons Eagle One, Novak’s Tavern, Hannibal’s, Red Parrot, Palladium, Havana, Arcadia, Brooklyn Tavern, Varga Lounge, The Library, and contemporaries, Paramount, Coconut Grove and pop-up sensation The Ice Cream Factory.
Parent company, Entertainment Enterprises, has freehold ownership of the buildings which house the clubs, bars and restaurants, providing flexibility to adapt to changing consumer demands. Many of their venues have been successfully re-branded and remain competitive in an ever-changing market.
The weekend queue for Coconut Grove as shown here in 2018 demonstrates the continued popularity of the venues managed by Entertainment Enterprises.
Courtesy Entertainment Enterprises Pty Ltd -
For Bill, along with the management team at Entertainment Enterprises, it also means he can continue to bring people and business into Northbridge, driving positive change in an area close to his heart.
After more than 40 years, Bill Oddy pictured here in 2022, still enjoys working in the hospitality industry.
Courtesy Entertainment Enterprises Pty Ltd
Coconut Grove Tavern
161 James Street, Northbridge
With thanks to Bill Oddy and Graham Hardie