"I have an absolutely fantastic team beside me," Denise says.
Staff members have input into how the bar is run.
"They all come up with ideas. My sister-in-law, Kathryn, pretty much manages the place and she's phenomenal. It's a good place to work."
Denise's staff members reciprocate the praise. Fifteen staff members, some working shifts and part-time, keep The Barracks running smoothly. They tend to work in all parts of the business.
"You jump in wherever you need to," says Jorja Plane, who has worked for Denise for almost two years.
"The kitchen is putting out the most beautiful food," Denise says.
It's a job and a place Denise loves.
"To know I'm coming to work, especially Friday and Saturday nights, puts a smile on my face. I look forward to it. This is me."
Mike has Mike Paul Inspections, pre-purchase house inspections, and he doubles as The Barracks' maintenance man.
While Covid requirements are in force, Denise and her team have been working on some "really cool events" for when life returns to normal.
"We've done some good, positive work behind the scenes."
And when she describes her customers, she uses words like "loyal" and even "brilliant".
"It's such a fun atmosphere."
She says bookings for functions are going well.
"We've already had two weddings here and we've got two booked for next year."
The Ammo Room was being used for a Splash Centre staff function as we chatted.
Big screens, always on, give colour and movement to the end wall, and make it the ideal place to watch a big game or major sporting event. A BSA road racer sits on its stand in the restaurant. The place is full of surprises.
