Coffee & Community

ONE OF FRESHWATER’S NEWEST CAFES IS PROUD TO PRESENT A MODERN SPIN ON THE OLD AUSSIE CORNER STORE AND PAYS HOMAGE TO OUR ANNOYING BEACH BIRD AND FRESHWATER’S SWEET SURF HISTORY.

While the world crumbled under the weight of COVID, a couple of Sydney mates were hitching a plan to open a new coffee and corner store in Freshwater.

Sam, Adam and Bernard (or Marshy, Bails and Skip) are big fans of Sydney’s laid-back beachy lifestyle. And in late 2020, the hospo, the tradie, and the corporate brewed the idea for Three Seagulls, the gorgeous, sun-soaked café on Harbord Road, where the old Polar Bar used to live.

“The old Polar Bar - on our site since the 1940s – is a part of that history, and we look forward to giving it a new lease of life,” says the boys in their Three Seagulls manifesto.

“The old school general store / corner store / milk bar was synonymous with the Australian way of life - you could fi nd one near almost any Aussie beach. It was part of growing up. A swim with the fam, a chicken sambo, a cold drink and an ice block… those were the best days!”

At Three Seagulls, the team apply a modern take on the old corner store, with a focus on excellent coffee and friendly service.

“We aim to be the local spot where everyone – singles, families, young and old - feels welcome to sit and have coffee and a bite; or take away a delicious sambo or some staples for the family. We want you to feel relaxed and at home… we want to be your favourite place to hang out!”

Inspired by the trademark yellow of Australian Surf Clubs, the boys are passionate about their local community and every time you get your caffeine fi x at Three Seagulls, 5¢ goes to the Freshwater SLSC.

“We love local and will use locally sourced, sustainable produce wherever we can. Another goal is to support local artisans, artists and craftspeople. Supporting this wonderful 100+ year old surf club is our way of directly giving back to the community.”

Freshwater is a lucky suburb to have a bunch of boys so passionate about it’s culture.

“Freshwater is a beautiful beachside neighbourhood with a community that enjoys long, active, sunny days and has a strong sense of local pride.

“From the Aboriginal clans who hunted, fi shed and lived on its shores for millennia to Duke Kahanamoku the American swim champion who introduced surfboard riding to Australia on Freshwater beach in 1914, the area has a wonderful history.”

And while the team admits seagulls are a little annoying, the noisy, white darlings are synonymous with the golden Aussie beach days we love. •

THREE SEAGULLS // 87 HARBORD RD, FRESHWATER // INSTA: @THREESEAGULLS // www.threeseagulls.com.au OPEN 7 DAYS  6:30AM TO 2:30PM