What’s the buzz – A new Lovedale wine bar for locals
Jimmy Joans is the brainchild of experienced publicans Kim and Michael Starkey with the name of their new venue a tribute to Kim’s much-loved grandparents. They wanted to create the type of venue they would love to go to themselves: a small, local bar with a relaxed vibe, a place that’s all about community, about having fun with family and friends.
Their business partners Eliza and Tom Boyd are focused on the front of house service and the kitchen.
Both worked at Michelin starred restaurant The Ledbury in London and, upon their return to Australia, Tom worked at Restaurant Mason in Newcastle and at Margan’s in Broke.
There is a terrific bar food menu that is updated regularly. Grazing plates to share feature scotch eggs, arancini, wagyu and onion pie, lamb and gravy rolls, and cheese plates. The restaurant offers a 4-course menu available Thursday to Saturday for dinner and Sunday lunch.
Wines by the glass are made by local friends, there are beers on tap, an extensive list of spirits, wines by the bottle, delicious classic cocktails made with a modern twist as well as alcohol-free beverages.
The vibe is very much “come as you are and stay all day”. The décor is an inviting mix of country charm with an industrial edge but focused on comfort. With indoor bar seats and tables, outdoor seating plus plenty of picnic space, Jimmy Joans has been attracting locals who love dropping in for a drink on their way home from work, groups of girls and friends for nights out, as well as families for chilled afternoons. Word of mouth is now spreading to visitors wanting that authentic local experience.
Jimmy Joans is open Thursday to Sunday, 11am to 8.30pm.
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