The team behind the acclaim of The Dolphin has opened a brand new Bondi Beach Public Bar, offering a sophisticated nod to Australian drinking culture of the 1970s and 80s.
The massive Pacific development on Bondi’s Campbell Parade, stretching an entire block between Curlewis and Beach Streets, offers high worth residents unobstructed panoramic views of Australia’s most famous beach, from atop two storeys of mixed-use retail sites.
Immediately next door to the historic and iconic Bondi Hotel, the site has always been prime for some fresh hospitality offerings in a high foot-traffic and prominent precinct that is somewhat underdone.
The partners that have come to count in the portfolio Bondi’s Icebergs, and Hotel Harry and The Dolphin in Surry Hills, have secured the tenancy within the Pacific, today (20 December) marking the opening of Bondi Beach Public Bar (BBPB).
Unlike the bulk of the tourism-focused entertainment businesses along Campbell Pde, BBPB is aiming for the long-term locals of the beachside suburb.
Speaking to PubTIC, COO and co-owner Christian Denny said they are excited to launch another chapter in the newly-formed Icebergs Group plan to create individual on-point locations in dynamic spaces.
“BBPB is a community-driven, family-friendly place where people can eat, drink and relax by the beach.”
In deliberate contrast to the upscale offerings of the Dolphin’s wine room or Icebergs Dining, the new pub will offer a “concise” wine list curated by James Hird, and menu renditions led by “Romanesque” pizza, Bella’s Hot Fried Chicken, and the Double Patty Bondi Matty “Squish” burger*.
But a degree of sophistication was still deemed appropriate, with all post-mix replaced by freshly squeezed juices and premium sodas by Capi, and quintessential pub dishes of crumbed chicken, Black Angus minute steak and grilled market fish sitting beside polenta ‘nuggets’.
The interior design by George Livissianis includes a 23-metre art installation by Matthew Bax, and is accompanied by Aussie and surf rock of the 70s and 80s, with playlist collaborations and a continually evolving soundtrack.
Acclaimed chef and fashion designer Maurice Terzini says BBPB is well and truly a pub for Bondi.
“It takes pride in being a bar that represents Sydney and Bondi Beach today whilst maintaining the simple qualities that a Public Bar should have … community values, good food and a simple cold beer.”
BBPB is open seven days a week from 11am till 1am.
*Squish burger: burger sauce, two chargrilled beef patties, Aussie Bacon, cheese, onions with a tomato, lettuce, pickle fresh-stick on the side, making “one glorious slab of cheeseburger”.
