Bondi Beach Bar and Guesthouse – Revamped, Refurbished and Revisited

We recently revisited Bondi Beach Bar and were surprised to see that in our absence it had been given a make-over. It’s face has been lifted, botoxed and beautified with the result that it is now a sleek, silvery space with snazzy décor and plenty of pizzazz. Colin and Malcolm are firmly at the helm and the friendly bonhomie that prevailed is still here in buckets and spades. The scenic backdrop of Dong Tang beach is the perfect locale to relax, enjoy a cup of frothy coffee, bite into a tasty turkey baguette or sup a beer or two and generally enjoy the laid-back ambiance and good humour that prevails around these tables.

Colin is a gold medalist chef from the south coast of England who spent many years in the industry before relocating to Thailand. He is a dedicated meeter and greeter and his good nature and geniality make this one of the nicest places to be in the area. Friends, locals and newcomers enjoy the camaraderie and bonhomie here at Bondi which is more than liberally laced with a soupcon of good-natured local gossip and banter.

This is a breezy beach eatery in the true sense of the word serving light bites and snacks all day and night. Included on their menu are their celebrated beef burgers or luscious jacket potatoes smothered in the topping of choice: butter, ham, cheese, baked beans, tuna, mayo, cheese and onions or any combination thereof (from B.90). The sandwiches come on white or wholemeal bread plus big crusty baguettes. They are mouth watering affairs filled to brimming with hot crispy fried bacon or sizzling sausages served with salad garnish and potato chips. Another popular snack is the healthy turkey salad sandwich which gets everyone’s thumbs up, especially as it’s not even Christmas! Lashings of creamy egg mayonnaise and bacon make for a luscious sandwich filling while the pork pies are a perennial favourite and of course come accompanied by the requisite Branston pickle. Freshly prepared salads are a wholesome option and can be ordered with beef (B.130), cheese, ham or tuna. Tasty toasties are always a winner and the double portion serving a bargain at B.90.

Smoked salmon with scrambled eggs is a comforting treat at any time of the day but here at Bondi Beach Bar overlooking the golden sand and turquoise ocean it becomes a delight. Afternoon patrons enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, a slice of fruit cake or an ice cream and pastry while they watch the world go by. Sun not shining? It’s wet and wild? Head down to Bondi where if it’s raining between 12 noon and 6.00 pm cheer yourself with a glass or two of house spirits, red or white wine and beer for only B.65. Happy Hour is 6.30pm to 9.30 pm when all house spirits are only B.70.

Every day from 4.00 pm until close everyone has a chance to win the contents of the Bondi Beach safe! It now stands at B.1000 but will increase by B.1000 every Sunday until its won. Every time you pay your bill you get a chance to “crack the safe” by entering 00 plus four digits.

As the colours fade across the beach and the night sky appears, the evening entertainment at Bondi gets underway. “Open Mic Nites” are held on Monday and Tuesdays from 9.00 pm till midnight. Wednesday a pianist entertains from 4.00 pm till 7.00 pm followed by the perennially popular “Bingo Nite”, Thursday and Saturday nights the well known stars Willy and Mandy “Sing Songs from the Shows”, Friday is party night with surprise guest appearances and the last Sunday in each month the Bondi brain’s trust gather to pit their wits against Colin’s dastardly difficult questions – yes, it’s Quiz Nite! Truly something for everyone at Bondi Beach Bar.