Northies launches Old Joe's bar

One of Southern Sydney’s most renowned pubs has embraced the changing face of hospitality by reviving a lost local legend. 

Cronulla’s Northies this month launched “Old Joe’s” – a bar fashioned on the influence of the Shire’s iconic Joe’s Milk Bar, which operated until the 90s.

The new bar serves craft beers and southern American cuisine such as lobster rolls and ribs. 

Chris Gardner, director of Northies operator Catalyst Hospitality Group (CHG), told TheShout the new offering stemmed from a desire to reinvigorate the venue.

“Old Joe’s was created in response to the changing ways and places that people eat, drink and socialise,” Gardner said. 

“Small bars, cafes and restaurants have played a major part in changing the social landscape, and hotel operators are ideally positioned and need to embrace this new social landscape. 

“More than ever before venues should be providing a variety of offerings that cater to the new mix of market segments. Old Joe’s was created to have its own distinctly separate personality and identity from the rest of the hotel.”

The design comes courtesy of Sibella Court of The Society Inc, who cites inspiration from milk bars such as Joe’s in a nod to the legacy of their influence on surf culture and social history.  

“I wanted it to be an extension of bringing the outside in, and delved into my own upbringing and beach culture of the 70s for inspiration: stripey umbrellas, washed-out Okanui board shorts, tasselled terry towelling and ice-cream at the end of a salty day,” said Court. 

CHG operates a number of venues in NSW and Queensland, including Sydney’s Mona Vale, Greengate and Exchange Hotels, and Mon Komo in Brisbane.

Source: The Shout, 22 November 2013