Navi gets eWater

In 2023 Julian Hills earned the title of Good Food’s Chef of the Year –awarded to him for his understated talent showcased through the triumph of his 32-seat fine diner, Navi, which last year was a finalist for the 2024 Good Food Victorian Restaurant of the Year and Time Out’s Best Restaurant in Melbourne.

Not only has his inaugural solo venture become a sought-out destination for local foodies, but it has also left an indelible impression on the hospo scene by championing a more sustainable approach to dining.  

He is driven by his values around sustainability and provenance, which influences his decision to personally forage for native and wild ingredients every fortnight and visit the various boutique suppliers he has handpicked over the years  – after ensuring they have the same ethos when it comes to produce as he does.  

“eWater has been something we have heard about from chefs that have worked elsewhere that have the system installed (as well as with marketing from yourselves).

We are a small restaurant aiming to minimise our waste and have a minimal negative impact on our environment. Unfortunately many of the chemicals we use in the restaurant either directly or indirectly make their way into the drains as well as carrying risk being corrosive and potentially hazardous to staff.

We were initially sceptical that eWater could possibly work to do the job of much harsher chemicals. We were willing to try based on the research presented to us. If hospitals are able to implement eWater then that demonstrates an efficacy I am happy with that.

The team have adapted well to using eWater in the different ways. We are working our way through our old stock but after the instillation there is minimal storage requirement (a problem for a small restaurant like ours) and it's straightforward for all staff to use.

We are looking forward to using eWater as our primary cleaner/sanitiser to feel we are making a positive contribution to minimising our environmental impact.

For us, the benefits are reducing need for harsh and potentially hazardous chemicals as well as freeing up storage space in our chemical room (might even need to change the name!). 

We are less concerned about the cost but happy to streamline our systems and reduce the need for multiple chemicals and potential risks as well as no concerns to waste disposal or cross contamination. 

What would you say to someone considering eWater for their business?

I would suggest they listen to the research, watch the demonstrations and  consider the inital investment and low waste versus the chemicals, risk and waste associated with regular chemical cleaners. 

Is there anything else that’s important to you or that you’ve discovered along the way?  

The professional staff and up to date paperwork from eWater has meant keeping across our chemical record keeping obligations has been straightforward. Any communication to eWater has been prompt, professional and helpful.

Georgia Roberts - Owner & Business Manager