An Endless Summer has arrived at Avoca Beach
From the team that gave us the Caribbean styled rum shack Mumbo Jumbo’s, have the most anticipated opening of the summer at Avoca Beach… Shady Palms!
An eclectic surf shack inspired by Hawaiian and Californian surf culture, there is a lot going on here. A quick overview - we have 4 individual pockets within Shady Palms to explore, plus a homeware store (selling take away alcohol, knickknacks, and vintage surfboards) and a flintstone like-stage area for the multitude of live music events that will be a regular feature.
They will be opening 7 days a week 12 noon – 12 midnight over summer and we can’t not mention the resident lizard aptly named Shady (yeah, he has his own Instagram account), so let’s begin…
Isaac Adele, Steve Sewell, Justin Hyland and Heather Bergan are breathing life into the Rojo Rocket site and utilising every last inch of space.
“We’ve been given great bones and have big boots to fill here, Rojo was a great Mexican restaurant, we are very proud to take on the space and leave the natural environment – stuff you can’t buy in”.
Steve opens, highlighting what is evident to anyone upon first walking through the gates and discovering the oasis that is Shady Palms.
With all the owners coming from music industry roots and Steve owning Kingdom Sounds, it is no surprise live music and events are going to be theme here. From DJ’s to bands, there will be a regular roster of talent entertaining the guests; every Sunday, Return to Rio will be on the agenda.
This multi-facet venue will ensure that you will always have a unique nook to explore on every visit (yes, you’re coming back – you may as well make the bookings now!). When you enter Shady Palms, you will discover the Shady Shack - their version of an Oyster, Champagne & Wine bar, and they are not messing around bringing something different to the Central Coast having partnered with premium Champagne Houses such as Veuve Clicquot and Dom Pérignon.
If sipping French bubbles isn’t your vibe, head to the Beer Garden, serving pizzas by Chef Joel Adele who earned his stripes in European kitchens such as Gordon Ramsey’s and will be serving up a tropical twist on some classics as well as what will surely become a Shady signature the Tropical Slice. The hut-styled cocktail bar at the far end is amassed with beer taps – 20 to be exact including 8 crafts featuring two from Kona Hawaiian Brewing Co.
From here you can meander down some stairs to the Mālie Garden (Hawaiian for calm or tranquil). The only sounds you will hear are those of the four-tier water fountain trickling in the background. On the back wall you will find a Kona Brewing Co. mural by artist Dallas Clarke and one of many hand painted murals and features of his you will find throughout the venue.
When you are ready to rejoin the hustle, head inside the Bungalow where you will find a more traditional dining room backdropped with an original hand painted mural by Stephen Evans whose tropical seascape enlivens the room. Chef Andrew Percival also comes with some stellar experience, with his last post being at Bells Killcare. He is keeping it casual with a beach bar dining menu where you will find a variety of Poké bowls and Yakatori - the Pineapple Fried Rice will be your new go-to dish.
Drink-wise –in addition to the vast selection of tap beer, the wine list has been curated for Shady Palms specifically through a partnership with Central Coasts Captains of Trade specialising in Australian and International boutique wines. The want is to create a bespoke wine offering that is unique for Shady Palms.
Naturally the link to Mumbo Jumbo’s sets some high expectations for the cocktails and we are seeing the reinvention of some classics with 6 bespoke Shady cocktails on the menu with names like Bruised Ego, Dizzy Spell and King Neptune we all will be sampling them all at some point I am sure.
You start to get a sense that between the murals, the natural and untouched setting, and the lack of structural buildings, that Shady Palms more than encapsulates the surf culture lifestyle. “You can actually smell the ocean”, Isaac adds. These clever poppets have repurposed, upcycled and reused everything in this renovation.
“We tried to keep the water vibe going so all the timber used here is from 5 full jetty’s, that have been in the ocean for over 50 years” Justin explains.
So, don’t expect shiny tables and plastic chairs, and enjoy the eclectic mix of the emerald green marble table or one of the many Florentine styled concrete tables and benches positioned in the naturally landscaped grounds by Central Coast locals - Extreme Green.
Making something effortless takes expert hands and Shady Palms enlisted Carolina Malz of CJ Interiors to create this perfectly imperfect mismatched wonderland. You may recognise her finesse from Mumbo Jumbo's and some of Sydney's leading restaurants and bars.
For those of you who are about to jump on maps to suss out the location, one last little thoughtful addition from the Shady Palms team. Driving out of the garage this week is “Shadys” their newly imported 1988 Ford Club Wagon (a left-hand drive V8 van from America… think Scooby Doo’s Mystery Machine) which will be the venue courtesy bus taking guests to Avoca and Terrigal only.
So, off you go and make that reservation as this is going to be the place to be this summer!