BEST LOCAL PUB: BEACH ROAD HOTEL

To non-locals, tourists and backpackers, The Beach Road Hotel is that notorious spot where hot bodies parade in itsy bitsy bikinis to win the spray tan covered Miss Bondi pageant. But to locals, The Beachy is that place where everyone knows your name. Ok fine, that was Cheers but you get the picture. Many non-Sydneysiders make Bondi their home and at the Beachy there’s a real family away from home vibe amongst its patrons. Whilst the place is packed full of happy, beautiful and often sunburnt people during the summer, it tends to get a little chilly and tumbleweedy during winter but thanks to their great team, this winter saw the place come alive with big names like Deep Sea Arcade and Philadelphia Grand Jury performing free gigs. It is also home to successful local bands like Old Man River and the weekly Dust Tones which feature the best Aussie and Kiwi hip hop artists. Let’s just say that if you are a Bondi local and you have to ask for a location when someone sends you a text on Fri arvo for beers later, you need to make some friends. (Komi Sellathurai)

1/71 Beach Rd, Bondi Beach. 9130 7247, beachroadbondi.com.au