Just 30 minutes south of the Sydney CBD, the Sutherland Shire has quietly developed into a vibey design and dining scene, making it a worthwhile destination. If you are visiting my studio and showroom in Caringbah, it is the perfect opportunity to spend time exploring the area and its surrounds.
Here are some of my favourite local businesses, in the neighbourhood, and how I might spend a slow, design and dining-filled day in the Shire.
1. Start the Day Right
Before you arrive at the showroom, begin your morning at Flour in Caringbah. Don’t be surprised if you experience decision overwhelm and end up purchasing a flaky croissant, a delicate pastry AND a loaded focaccia. It is the perfect pre-gallery treat. Order something buttery, take a seat in the sun with a coffee and ease into the day.
2. Pop In And Say Hi!
From Flour it is only a short 2 minute drive to the showroom. Here you can explore my curated selection of vintage furniture, contemporary art, ceramics and homewares. Take your time, browse, and ask as many questions as you like. We are friendly, I promise!
When you are ready to wander again (or ready for a second hit of caffeine), walk across the road to Mansfield, my favourite for a crafted brew (or treat yourself to their Biscoff Shakey… yum!)
3. Browse The Shop
Next head to Cronulla, and check out some of the cute retail stores in the mall.
We Are Mindful is a beautifully curated boutique carrying wellness goods, gifts, slow fashion and small homewares. I love this little shop - everything in it feels thoughtful and considered.
Roar, a two-level store full of colour, texture and personality, is my one-stop shop for a curated selection of fashion, accessories and a rotation of eclectic pieces.
4. Enjoy A Long Lunch
Once you have browsed the boutiques, head for a long lunch at one of my two fave waterside restaurants.
Bobby’s Cronulla
Overlooking Cronulla beach Bobby’s is the perfect place for lunch or dinner. The restaurant was designed by my friends Tom Mark Henry and any interior enthusiasts will love this place. The design and palette are refined and playful and Instagram worthy.
The Mediterranean-inspired menu is full of fresh seafood, grilled meats, wood fired breads, spritzes and plenty of sunshine. 
Pipis
Loved for its modern Australian food, calm palette and unfussy approach to dining. Located at Calico Marina, the views of Burraneer Bay are peaceful, and the vibes on a summer day are perfection. Come for breakfast, lunch or pizza, Pippi’s signature dishes, include Fluffy pancakes for brekkie, Charcoal-grilled lobster and prawn ans truffle pizza with a deliciously crispy base from a traditional deck oven.
Homer Rogue Taverna
If you prefer something a little louder and looser, Homer Rogue Taverna brings Greek flavours, generous share dishes and a fun, buzzy atmosphere. Neutral tones, raw concrete walls with graffiti in a soft palette this place is refined in unrefined surroundings, making it the perfect balance for those who walk in off the beach or those wanting to dress up for a night out. The menu is designed to share with fire-grilled meats, seafood, veg, and flatbreads. I highly recommend the Spanakopita flatbread and ‘Our mum’s moussaka’.
5. Afternoon Delights
The Shire boasts many beautiful stretches of water, but here are a few of my (semi) secret faves.
Shelly Beach
A gentle, sheltered beach and grassy park. You can walk along the ocean side esplanade from Bobby’s, with the reward of a little dip in the rockpool at the end if you fancy!
Darook Beach
If you’ve just lunched at Pippis, it’s only a twenty-minute walk (through Gunnamatta Bay and a couple of peaceful residential streets) to Darook. Darook Beach is one of Cronulla’s quietest little coves, tucked away from the crowds with calm, glassy water and soft sand. It is perfect for a swim or a slow afternoon in the sun, especially if you want somewhere that feels a little bit hidden.
If a hike is more your thing, I recommend Kamay Botany National Park. You can wonder along the beach or hike through the bush. From the clifftops in winter you may spot whales migrating too!
Cook at Kurnell
This is a great spot for an afternoon drink or brunch. It has a laid-back Aussie vibe and a breezy nautical feel while being family friendly with play equipment and sand for the kids to play while the parents slip a cocktail. Nestled on Silver Beach in Kurnell, the Cook at Kurnell is where beachside chill meets an eclectic mix of global vibes.
If it's raining, or if you prefer art over salt water, head to Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea. The gallery, which sits in a peaceful garden setting, hosts a rotation of contemporary exhibitions. After browsing, you’re probably ready for another coffee (or perhaps a cocktail?)... you can enjoy both at Hazel, the gallery’s restaurant and bar. The interiors are swoonworthy, it's worth a cocktail just to gaze around at the beautifully designed interiors. 
6. Dinner Time
If the weather is nice, find yourself a little table outside at Benny's. Benny's sits right on Gunnamatta Bay and serves up Mediterranean-leaning dishes that are both fresh and elevated. Settle in for an early dinner, and enjoy great cocktails and the amazing water views. 
If it’s gloomy outside, Fred’s Providore, Cronulla’s beloved local high-end grocer, has recently launched a new iteration as a wine bar / restaurant in the evenings. It’s super cosy, the food is amazing and the wine list is exceptional.
My ultimate favourite place for dinner is Yalla Sawa. It’s Middle Eastern food is like nothing else. They know me well there! My personal favourite is the Shish barak - Lebanese lamb dumplings in minted goats yogurt. You won't be disappointed!
7. After-Dinner Drinks
Cony’s is a stylish little bar / restaurant tucked in a side street parallel to Cronulla mall. Inventive cocktails and creative drinks take centre stage, beautifully balancing bold flavours with seasonal ingredients. A perfect stop for a drink after dinner. 
