The Boathouse Group has been named as the new hospitality partner of the North Wollongong Surf Club.
The hospitality group secured the upstairs space of the club, suitable to seat some 200-plus patrons, following a tender process.
“As soon as we saw the venue, its location and incredible view across North Wollongong beach, we knew we wanted to put our hat into the ring to be the operator,” said Ben Collis, head of commercial and marketing at The Boathouse Group.
“The venue will fit nicely in our venue portfolio of beautiful waterside locations.”
The Boathouse Group is best known for its waterside venues across greater Sydney, including the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA). North Wollongong Surf Club will be the group’s first location outside of Sydney.
“We are always on the lookout for iconic venue locations that fit with our brand, and it’s no secret that clubs across Australia have some of the most incredible real estate, especially yacht clubs like CYCA and surf clubs like at North Wollongong,” Collis said.
“We are passionate about partnering with these clubs to provide their local communities with a hospitality offering that is fit for the locations.”
Experienced chef joins team
Selected to head up the venue’s new food and beverage offering is Mark LaBrooy, chef, restauranteur, author, and founder of the Three Blue Ducks. LaBrooy joins the hospitality group after deciding to step away from an operational role at the Three Blue Ducks but will still retain a stake in business.
In a recent interview with ABC Illawarra Drive, LaBrooy, who is also a Illawarra local, revealed that even though he hasn’t written the menu yet, patrons can expect wild game, such as venison, as well as a “conduit of what’s going on with ocean at the local fisheries”.
The opening of the restaurant will mark the final piece to the club’s long renovation journey. Work on the club has been ongoing since it received the green light from the Wollongong City Council in 2021.
The Boathouse Wollongong at the North Wollongong Surf Club is slated to open mid-year.