Publica Group has opened Cronulla restaurant and bar Henrys. Julian Damjano, the GM, said the beachside bar and eatery is a nod to Henry Tugwell, who was the area's first police officer who also patrolled the beaches on horseback wearing a bowler hat and woollen coat in Cronulla in 1906, “the area's original hipster”.  

Publica Group, which is also behind Clubhouse at Rosebery, Goldfish Bar & Kitchen Hunter Valley, Bondi Event Rooms at Bondi Surf Bathers' and proposed new-look Gunnamatta Pavilion, has capitalised on the suburb's Endless Summer vibe with its latest oasis.

The sweet new nook was designed by Paul Kelly Design (Sokyo, Black by Ezard) and is carved onto the corner of Ocean Grove Ave. The fit out is beach relaxed lifestyle, yet sophisticated, the designers were inspired to create an energetic atmosphere with a quirky cutting edge personality within. 

As someone who has watched the Sutherland Shire food and drink scene grow and evolve, Damjano says the 112-seater space – with its iconic Martinique banana leaf wallpaper, bright and breezy mix of tropical plants, Caesar stone bar top, multi-tone timber bar, bold black & white rattan furniture, banquette seating and outdoor festoon lighting - is all about style, comfort and catching the sea breeze.  

Spicing things up at the pass is Publica Group's executive chef Brazilian-born Rafael Tonon (ex-Hugo's, Barrio Chino) whose sharing menu includes Kingfish, finger lime, chives, mandarin, burnt chilli oil andYellowfin tuna 'nachos', ponzu gel, wasabi, prawn crackers and a 500g Wagyu Flank MS5+, pancetta wrapped baked Enoki and truffled butter. 

Damjano, who is also an award-winning bartender (ex-Hugo's, Ivy Pool Club) has also curated a dangerously drinkable list of beverages you'd expect at a coastal-hugging watering hole. As well as supporting local provedores, Henrys favour local artisan producers of beer such as Shark Island and Blackhorse.

Henrys is located at 1 Ocean Grove Ave, Cronulla, 02 9527-0305, www.henryscronulla.com.au. 

Open from 6pm til late Wed-Sun and 12pm til late Fri-Sun.

For more information or images phone General Manager Julian Damjano 0403 494 315 or email jules@publicagroup.com.au 

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