Because Redfern is so known for it’s pristine white sand, crystal blue oceans, exponential horizons and endless supply of beach-goers, it only made sense for the place to open right in the thick of it all, the corner of Henderson and Botany Road.
The new Redfern Surf Club is all the bits of Redern you love in one, complete with classic, fun bevvies with free popcorn and an inclusive, unpretentious approach to service.
It’s the baby of Yannick Maslard, who used to be the manager of The Cliff Dive and Oxford Art Factory, so it’s got something good going on.
Yannick and his pals wanted a place that stayed true to the ‘local’ that everyone has in their own community, right in the heart of the suburb, accessible all the time. That’s the spirit of the surf club.
“We built the bar we all wanted to hang out in,” says Maslard, speaking for an extended family of Sydney hospitality regulars and friends who have chipped in to overhaul the sun-drenched, heritage-listed space – once a bank, and most recently a chook shop.
Wielding paint brushes and power tools, a team of good mates have donated their time and creativity to help transform the former Grill King site into a lush indoor courtyard with a collection of curiosities and an enviable supply of plants.
The walls have photos and paintings combined with surfing paraphernalia and a pool table. It’s about lazy summer holidays down the coast, right in the middle of town. It’s casual, easy and welcoming.
They keep the drinks list as laid-back as its name suggests. The Redfern Surf Club will serve up a roster of solid Australian cold ones rotating around house beer The Grifter Brewing Co’s Pale Ale. The ever-changing taps will hero Sydney microbreweries like Batch, Wayward and Akasha, with an eye on one-off collaborations and limited release beers coming soon.
Couple all that with natural wines that focus on the crew’s favourite Australian producers, the list sweeps the current wine landscape and highlights choice picks ranging from fun and easy-drinking varieties to more complex styles that reward the adventurous drinker.
In this weird and welcoming space, an old-school TV set plays cult surf flicks, a taxidermied ibis watches over the bar, and a shrine to the likes of Prince, Phil Collins, and the great surf god himself Bodhi lights the way to good times ahead.
“We want it to feel like a backyard barbie at your mate’s place that might turn into a house party at any minute,” says Yannick. “The whole idea is for everyone to feel at home and have a good time.”
Find the Redfern Surf Club on corner of Henderon and Botany Roads, Redfern.
