The rustic warmth of the Outback meets the urban buzz of Manhattan
Tucked away on Market Lane, and acclaimed as Manly’s ‘hidden secret’, Donny’s Bar is the ultimate dining and drinking destination. However, it’s just become an even hotter haven because it’s now expanded its premises to include the Woolshed – an espresso bar by day, and a boutique craft beer and whiskey bar by night.
Owner Matt Clifton has cultivated a unique design ethos inspired by his earlier years growing up on a farm in Tullamore and later immersing himself in the effortlessly sophisticated urban jungle of New York City.
Featuring low-hanging woven lights, hessian upholstered bench seats, exposed brick and a solid Jarrah tree slab bar top, theWoolshed combines the character of an industrial loft on Manhattan’s Lower East Side with the authentic look and feel of an outback sheering shed. Matt Clifton says, “Most of the materials are straight off the farm; corrugated iron off the woolshed roof, sleeper wood off an old railway track and wood paneling off the side of our early 1900’s shearers quarters.”
Described as a “perfect blend of industrial design and cosy comfort”, the entire décor is hand-made and features an intricate attention to detail, resulting in Donny’s Bar being championed as one of Vogue’s Best Café, Bar & Restaurant Interiors Of The Year In 2014 and shortlisted for multiple awards including Australian Interior Design Awards 2014 andBest New Bar Fitout.
Constantly evolving, Donny’s adds a final touch to the new developments by expanding its premises to now offer an alfresco dining experience. Open from midday for lunch and dinner, Donny’s Bar and the Woolshed are also introducing a brand new delectable menu with a new executive chef leading the way. To accompany the unique aesthetics of the venue, rich, bold flavours are incorporated into a rustic homestead-style menu. An array of tasty tapas are featured in the bar, including Paprika Popcorn Calamari and Pork Shoulder Pale Ale Hotpot, and in the loft restaurant, you can experience delicious mains such as the irresistible, twelve-hour slow roasted lamb or the char-grilled rump, seasoned with salsa verde and chimichurri.
The venue will be not only dishing up fantastic food, but an ever-changing feast of entertainment too, and 7 days a week, some of the best emerging local live music artists will deliver an atmospheric buzz. Along with local artists, the Woolshed also proudly supports its local coffee roasters, Roseberry Street, and a selection of boutique craft beer breweries. “We are extremely excited to join Matt and be a part of the new Woolshed,” says Rowan Millar of Roseberry Street Roasters.
While Donny’s Bar has been hugely popular and gained rave reviews amongst critics, the addition of the Woolshed is ensuring the venue maintains its reputation as an exciting Northern beaches hotspot.
The Espresso Bar within the Woolshed will officially launch on Tuesday morning, 1st September 2015.
Matt Clifton explains, “Listening to our customers is so important to us, and we continually strive to adapt and steer the business in a direction that delivers both a product that’s interesting, as well as a lively, exciting atmosphere.”
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