Meet The Owners

Jonathan Dodwell and Michael McGowan took over the management of the bistro and function centre at the City Memorial in December 2010 and bring a true wealth of experience to the venue with their combined nearly fifty years of working in the hospitality industry. Jonathan’s hospitality career started in the early eighties in London where he managed traditional wine bars and restaurants for Davy’s of London, a well known wine company in the City. After marrying his Australian wife Monica the newly weds then moved to the Isle of Wight to run a bistro and mini supermarket for a London businessman. In 1993 Jonathan and Monica moved to Warrnambool and purchased their first business, Rio’s Cafe in Liebig Street where they soon started to build a reputation for great homemade food and friendly service. After eight very successful years at Rio’s they decided to take on a new challenge and so purchased Images Restaurant,Cafe & Cocktail Bar in 1991.They immediately brought in to the business a young and upcoming chef from Melbourne , Michael McGowan and this was the start of their highly successful association now spanning ten years and which has culminated in them forming a partnership to run the Bistro and Carmichael Room Function Centre at the City Memorial Bowls Club.

Michaels career began at a number of noted establishments including Barbarino’s & Wong, Bistro vite southgate, & Cable beach 5 star intercontinental resort Broome. Having moved to Warrnambool in 2001 with his wife Tanya he not only gained a great reputation for his cooking at Images Restaurant,he also had a very successful few years here at the City Memorial as Head Chef where he won the acclaimed Bistro of the Year award two years running before Jonathan persuaded him to rejoin the team at Images in 2007. Michaels wife Tanya is also helping to run the bistro at the City Memorial and with the two couples young children quickly growing Images is truly a family business!

Combined with the original Images Restaurant in Liebig Street Jonathan and Michael continue to offer great value family dining at each venue complimented with two fantastic function rooms, the magnificent Carmichael Room at the City Memorial which is ideal for weddings and conferences and also the downstairs party room at Images on Liebig St which is the perfect venue for more informal parties and get togethers.

We are also delighted to welcome Jessica Brereton as our new Function Coordinator.

Please do ask for either one of us when planning your wedding, conference or next function, we would be honoured to make your special occasion truly memorable.