Now Open: Bombies Is Freshwater's New 1970s-Inspired Rooftop Bar and Music Venue Channeling Beach House Party Energy
With a stacked calendar of live music and entertainment and a swinging 70s surf aesthetic, this new rooftop spot is bringing a wave of energy to a historic Northern Beaches venue.
Freshwater's legendary Harbord Hotel has levelled up your next beachside hang with the launch of Bombies, a brand-new rooftop bar and music venue that blends laidback 1970s beach house energy with a lively late-night buzz. Open from Friday, June 6, the sun-drenched new space will bring state-of-the-art staging, a stacked entertainment program and sweeping ocean views to a spot just metres from the waves where surfing was first introduced to Australia.
Occupying the first-floor space that was once the caretaker's residence, Bombies is positioning itself as a vibrant gathering place for all, whether it's for a post-surf drink and snack, or after-dark entertainment such as local and international musical talent, live-band karaoke, curated film screenings and comedy nights. The venue is channeling the same sense of spontaneity for which it's named — 'bombies' is surf slang for the offshore reefs that create wild, unpredictable waves, drawn from the Aboriginal word 'bombora'.
Jessica Nash Photography
The tone is very much set with the design of the venue, which tips its hat to the golden era of beachside living through a contemporary creative lens. It's the work of Bondi studio Alexander & Co — which was also behind the venue's massive 2021 redesign — and is anchored by warm wood and terracotta tones offset by mural-covered brick, glass blockwork, mid-century furniture and bold textured fabrics. Come summer, these will all be awash with sunlight, capturing the energy of a buzzy beach house party.
Similarly, the refreshed food and drink offering leans coastal and breezy. Expect salty, summery flavours via signature dishes like smoked mortadella skewers with buffalo curd, green olives, mint and pickled pepper; a crab sambo with avocado, chive and pickled eschalots on thick-cut white bread; and the achiote-marinated chicken espetada served with gem leaves, peppers, red onion, salsa roja and a house-made flat bread. In keeping with the retro theme, the menu also features a next-level club sandwich: a sky-high stack of chicken schnitzel, pancetta, avo, egg, mayo and gem lettuce served with potato crisps.
Jessica Nash Photography
The drinks list also plays into the year-round summer vibe. Highlights include the Bombora, a mix of Patrón Silver, triple sec, pineapple acid and orange, and the bright and zesty Piper Perch, in which Brookie's Slow Gin is elevated with Peychaud's bitters, hibiscus and lime.
Bombies is the next chapter of the Harbord Hotel's full-venue restoration — later this year, the venue will unveil a cutting-edge recording studio open to local artists, while longer-term plans include the return of boutique accommodation. Nearly 100 years after it first opened, the art deco venue is once again ready to make waves.
Jessica Nash Photography
Jessica Nash Photography
Jessica Nash Photography
Bombies is now open on the first floor of Harbord Hotel, located at 29 Moore Road, Freshwater. For more information, head to the venue's website.
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