The three friends wanted Bar Something to feel like you’re dropping in on a mate who has great taste. Photo: Bar Something/Moruya.
Bar Something is a new venue on the South Coast run by three mates who were drawn to the tight-knit Moruya community. The three friends were pulled together by their love of hospitality, and their desire to create “a third space” for locals.
Bloss McClelland previously ran Mamis Bar in Batemans Bay (now closed) and one day local coffee roaster (and Eurobodalla Mayor) Mathew Hatcher from Guerrilla Roasters came in to have a drink.
“Mat walked in, ordered a Tooheys, and it was friendship from there,” Bloss told Region.
“Fergus Lynch was keeping a low profile on the coast, but Mat called him out: ‘you’ve actually moved down here’ so then he was on our radar to come on board.”
Fergus had formerly worked at Nick O’Leary’s Heywood venue, so he was a natural fit for the vision Mat and Bloss had worked out over a few beers.
When the space in Moruya came up for sale, the three decided to jump on the opportunity and open Bar Something.
Mathew Hatcher (L), Bloss McClelland (centre) and Fergus Lynch (R) are the trio behind Bar Something. Photo: Bar Something/Instagram.
Bloss told Region they wanted the bar to feel like “you’re walking into a mate’s place: but your mate is also a really good chef!”.
The drinks list has a focus on good quality Australian wines and house-made cocktails using local spirits. A fast-favourite is the brown butter Negroni, made using Foxdog Distillery Gin based out of Mogo.
There are also a number of low and no alcohol options to take care of everyone.
The drinks list has a strong focus on Australian wine, with a handful of house cocktails. Photo: Bar Something/Instagram.
The food also follows the local trend. The team visit the Tuesday Moruya farmers market for their fresh produce, and serve Signature Oysters grown by Ewan McAsh.
“We’ve partnered up with a few producers, especially for seafood. A lot of stuff served on the coast still comes down from Sydney but we’re getting ours locally.”
There are a few reimagined retro snacks like devilled eggs, anchovy toast and a grown-up milo parfait dessert. The menu is designed to suit punters who are just coming in for a few snacks, or those who want to stay all night.
They’ve started what they call a ‘mates program’, giving regulars early access to special events, which is part of their drive to create a third space for people to enjoy.
“There’s such a beautiful connection between community here,” said Bloss.
“It’s a beacon we were drawn to, and it fills out cups to have patrons who are really happy for us to be here.”
Bar Something is located at 60 Vulcan Street, Moruya, NSW. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 3 pm until late. Follow Bar Something on Instagram.
Original Article published by Lucy Ridge on About Regional.
