-- amounting to some 400,000 people a year -- was the deciding factor for David and Susan Le'Strange in choosing the area as the site for their first restaurant.

The newly married couple, who have a wealth of experience in the catering industry, were dead set against a Hamilton location.

Rents were high and the city was filled with Italian restaurants and other places offering "mediocre dining experiences'', he said.

Mr. Le'Strange was aware the Blue Oyster had been lying dormant since its owners disappeared leaving huge debts.

But it was not until an ad appeared in the newspaper seeking someone to take over the business that he became serious about opening his own restaurant.

"I went out there one Sunday and realised the potential of the location,'' he said.

Because of their experiences with the previous owners, landlord A.F. Smith Trading Co. was very careful in selecting a new owner.

The Le'Stranges applied in November and were informed around Christmas-time they had first option.

"The menu had not even been conceived then,'' Mr. Le'Strange said. "We had to go full-steam ahead.'' But in just five months, they had completely redecorated, created exciting breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, and hired a near-full staff of mostly Bermudians.

The Waterside Inn opened quietly in early-May so as to avoid any first-night rushes and allow staff to be properly trained and settle in.

An official opening at the end of the month was attended by dozens of friends, including Governor Lord Waddington and his wife. (See photo above.) After cocktails on the lawn outside, Lady Waddington cut the ribbon at the front entrance, allowing guests to file in for a sumptuous buffet dinner.

Mr. Le'Strange said he has been "extremely pleased'' with business so far, especially lunches.

His philosophy, he said, is not to pack in customers and turn over as many tables as possible, but to provide friendly and professional service, and dishes prepared to perfection.

He added that he hoped to make the Waterside Inn one of the finest restaurants on the Island.

GRAND OPENING -- The Governor's wife Lady Waddington opens the Waterside Inn at Dockyard. With her are proud owners Mr. and Mrs. David Le'Strange.