The Rum Diaries

t's something pretty special when you walk into a bar, take a seat, and a couple of minutes later the bar owner sits down and talks you through the menu.

Welcome to The Rum Diaries, your new local (yes, even if you live in Surry Hills).

For the past two months owners James, Mark and the gang have been painting, plastering, scouring the Mitchell Road Auction House and importing rum from Paraguay to give Bondi what it so desperately needs - a bar that doesn't smell like palm oil and vom.

The result is a low-lit haven of polished tables (once doors), wood block menus and an array of tapas. Choose from lovingly-cooked meats, masalas and ‘naked' wedges. Sip red from a wide-based glass. Chat with friends.