With cocktails at sunset on offer accompanied by ocean views, spending a Saturday night at Freshwater’s new venue, Bombies, is a great way to enjoy a warm spring evening. We arrive at the rooftop venue to find it’s bustling with friends catching up, groups celebrating occasions and couples filling the space, the chatter set to the tunes of the DJ who brings the upbeat energy.
We sit at a table outside, and as Bombies is situated at the top of the Harbord Hotel, our view stretches across the suburb and out to the beach. It’s a great location, and as we sip on a Tropic Like it’s Hot cocktail with flavours of passionfruit, pineapple and coconut rum, we feel like the beach has come to us! There’s a cool coastal vibe in the furnishings – and the menu continues the theme.
Lamb ribs are our first dish of the night, and they are moreish. Sweet, caramalised and tender, the meat is flavoured with honey, lemon, macadamia and thyme. It’s followed by a share plate of Tostadas, fresh and perfect for a hot night, which features seared tuna and avocado with a taste of tomato salsa, pickled cucumber and chipotle mayonnaise. The perfect blend of crunch and zest!
For the main event, we order an impressive chicken espetada. It’s a huge skewer with succulent chicken, which is accompanied by flatbread, peppers, red onion, salsa roja, gem leaves and achiote marinade. We have a great time making our own wraps and it’s fun – which is key at Bombies, says Glenn Piper, chief executive officer of Epochal Hotels, which own ‘the Hilton.’
“We wanted to create something that captured the spirit of Freshwater – coastal, creative and a little wild around the edges,” Glenn says. “A place that celebrates our surf and music roots but also brings something new and fun for locals.”
Glenn lists the crab sambo as a crowd favourite. “The menus are shaped by our backyard, produce-driven, fresh, made for sharing,” he says. “Nothing fussy, just great food that’s big on flavour and made for good company.”
Bombies is also a great place for music, with Glenn adding that since opening in June, the venue has hosted live acts including Beaches locals and global success duo Lime Cordiale.
“Come in salty for sunset, and you’ll usually end up staying longer than you meant to,” Glenn says.
Bombies at Harbord Hotel’s rooftop 29 Moore Road, Freshwater bombies.com.au Phone 9905 3434