BONDI HARDWARE’S 5TH BIRTHDAY

 

Applejack Hospitality’s popular beachside restaurant, Bondi Hardware, at 39 Hall Street, Bondi Beach recently celebrated its 5th birthday in great style, with a fantastic party like only they know how to throw.

Not only was it a birthday celebration but it was also a relaunch. Applejack Hospitality’s Neutral Bay venue SoCal had taken over the venue for the summer and now this has come to an end, with Bondi Hardware returning better than ever.

The birthday party gave guests the opportunity to have an exclusive first look at the refreshed venue. Bondi Hardware has retained plenty of elements from its rustic roots, but with a lighter boho and industrial feel plus lots of fresh whites, lush greenery and Moroccan textiles and of course the same warm, laid back vibes it’s famed for.

There’s also an exciting new menu that Group Executive Chef Kasper Christiansen worked with the Bondi Hardware team to create. Some of the venue’s most popular dishes have been re-visited and re-worked. During the evening we tasted lime-cured Kingfish tostadas, kimchi paste, avocado & nori dust as well as sriracha buttermilk fried chicken sliders, Monterey jack and bacon mayo. Crispy lamb salad, hummus, feta, Israeli couscous, pear and mint yoghurt was my favourite. Baked artichoke dip with toasted pita breads and feta & sundried tomato polenta bites with basil sour cream topped off these culinary treats.

I tried two very easy to drink cocktails during the evening. The one I enjoyed most was the Garden Party: Blueberry infused Beefeater Gin, elderflower liqueur, basil, lemon, vanilla & rhubarb bitters, although I think the Young Cuban: Havana 3 year old Rum, Aperol, lime, fresh mint & sparkling wine came in a very close second. There was also a selection of beers, ciders and wine available, but who can resist a cocktail or two. I’ll just have to make another visit to Bondi Hardware to test the cocktails again.

Sandra Tiltman

BONDI HARDWARE THIRD BIRTHDAY

To celebrate turning three years old, local favourite restaurant and bar Bondi Hardware recently held their annual end of summer birthday party. Guests got in the swing of the summer theme, wearing a wide range of surf gear.

We were treated to a refreshing cocktail upon arrival, aptly named Watermelontini. This refreshing drink consisted of Ketel One Vodka, elderflower liquor, watermelon, apple and lime, so delicious, I had to have three. There was also a selection of wines, beers and ciders to keep the crowd partying while DJ’s kept the party mood alive, spinning a great selection of summer beats.

Delicious tasters from Bondi Hardware’s new menu, created by Head Chef Elliot Anders, helped to keep hunger at bay, including polenta & quinoa bites, tuna poke spoons, crispy pork belly and pumpkin boats, the famous classic beef sliders, pearl barley arancini balls with lemon aioli and margherita pizza slices.

Happy birthday Bondi Hardware, looking forward to your fourth.

Sandra Tiltman     Photos: John Pond

BONDI HARDWARE BIRTHDAY

Hawaiian shirts, colourful leis and an enthusiast crowd, helped local restaurant and bar, Bondi Hardware, celebrate their second birthday at an end of summer party.

DJ’s spun summer beats as guests decided which of the evening’s two cocktails they would sample. Having a choice of Hardware Hoola made with Ketel One Vodka, lime, coconut syrup, raspberry puree & cream, or the special Tiki bar ‘Blue Steel’ which was mixed up to order, consisting of Pampero Especial Rum, Blue Curacao, lime, pineapple, orange and orgeat syrup, it was a very hard decision, so I thought the best thing to do was have one of each. For those non-cocktail drinkers, Vale Ale, Vale Lager and Batlow Premium Cider were also served along with Forrest Pinot Gris and Villa Sandi Prosecco.

Popular Photo Booth

Delicious items from their new autumn menu were served, including the popular classic beef sliders, buttermilk fried chicken drumette’s with smoked honey mustard dressing, pork & fennel sausage rolls and Harissa lamb skewers.

The photo booth was a popular attraction, with many of the guests deciding to play dress up, using props such as coconut bras, grass skirts and Tiki masks, providing some hilarious mementos of the evening.

Named after its original occupant of thirty years, a cluttered hardware store, Bondi Hardware pays homage to its heritage with the interior transformed, utilising exposed brickwork, beams, high gabled ceilings and recycled timber.

Sandra Tiltman    Photos: John Pond