Cameron Northway

ROLL ON IN TO ROCKER, BONDI’S LATEST LOCAL

In surfing, ‘rocker’ refers the curvature of a surfboard from nose to tail. This term is a fitting name for drinks and hospitality expert Cam Northway’s latest venture, a slight curve away from his previous focus on cocktail bars. We spoke to Cam recently about his new café/restaurant in Bondi, its philosophy and how he incorporates his passion for good cocktails.

WORDS STEPHANIE AIKINS

Drinks and hospitality expert Cam Northway believes in the Bondi way of life. His latest venture, Rocker, is a relaxed dining experience, embodying the suburb’s laid-back, beachside vibes. Northway and his team, including longtime business partner Ian Clark, want to create the perfect local spot for any time of the day, whether you’re dropping in for a morning coffee or having dinner for a special occasion.

“We want guests to feel comfortable at all times of the day/night, enticing them to drop in after a swim or come for a nice dinner,” says Northway. “It’s about creating a venue where people feel comfortable so that they can drop in a few times a week and focus on the important stuff – enjoying good company, beautiful food, wine and cocktails.”

Their ethos is ‘keep things simple and nofuss’, an idea that has clearly influenced their use of space and crafting of the menu. The venue itself combines natural elements such as recycled wood, greenery, stone and leather with aspects of edgy, industrial design to create a relaxed but chic atmosphere. To compliment this, chef Darren Robertson and Rocker business partner (The Farm, Three Blue Ducks) has created a menu of hassle free and tasty dishes including big and small plates, sides specials and desserts.

From his years of experience working in and managing cocktail bars, Northway extends this philosophy to a drinks menu that aims to make Rocker stand out from the area’s bustling café/restaurant scene.

“Locals aren’t coming to try a cocktail that took three weeks to age, 10 minutes to prepare and which is served in an old record player,” he jests. “Our philosophy is simple and tasty drinks, made quickly and effortlessly with a smile.”

Although the focus is on modest creations, Northway’s experience with specialist drinks agency Sweet&Chilli shines through a cocktail list full of flavour that ensures, in his words, “…a restaurant bar that is more than just a dispense station.”

To work beside him on Rocker’s drinks team, Northway and Robertson have sourced one of the best in the industry. Former Guillaume sommelier Chris Morrison is in charge of the wine list, sourcing wines from predominantly smaller producers Australia wide.

There is also regularly rotating beers on tap, giving local craft brewers a chance to get their draughts out there. All these elements combine to make a venue run by a local for the locals. “It’s a real neighbourhood spot,” Northway says. “Everyday people drop in and say hello. I really enjoy just hanging out in the space.”

“OUR PHILOSOPHY IS SIMPLE AND TASTY DRINKS, MADE QUICKLY AND EFFORTLESSLY WITH A SMILE.”