Photo: Paula McManus Photography
After spending an afternoon at
Henley Beach taking in the glorious summer weather we're fortunate to have in
Adelaide, my friend and I decided to take a stroll to
Henley Square for an early dinner.
Henley Square: Source: Adelaide Now
As we walked towards the square I noticed the newly built
Henley Surf Life Saving Club was open. Curiosity got the better of me, and assuming it was only open to members, I wanted to take a closer look. Luck was on my side, because and as I approached the front doors, a sign read it was open to the public. What a perfect place to have dinner!
Photo: Henley Surf Life Saving Club
After walking up a flight of stairs, I was in the restaurant area, complete with its open plan design, and big windows offering panoramic views of the ocean.
Pick your spot and there's a window with a view!
As it was a gorgeous evening, we sat on an outside table on the balcony, astounded at how we had by chance found the best view in
Henley Beach to dine at - it was breathtaking.
Outdoor restaurant area
I walked to the bar and introduced myself to manager
David, who handed me the
Oceanview Bar and Restaurant menu. Not only was the view spectacular, but friendly service with a smile made all the difference.
Wine, view, sunset. Glorious.
The menu had a range of choices, and the prices were very reasonable. I ordered two platters - one Mediterranean and the other prawn, accompanied by a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. Somehow wine, platters and a view accompany each other extremely well.
Prawn platter, perfect for summer with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc - delicious!
People of all ages started to fill the room, placing orders for dinner and chatting amongst themselves on the outdoor balcony. What a perfect vantage point to watch the sunset, and take in the ocean breeze - everybody was in happy spirits and the floor staff were working overtime delivering orders to inside and outside tables.
Mediterranean platter
What made this place even more special is that even with the place buzzing and busy with people, our order arrived within five minutes. This is a
Surf Life Saving Club right? You betcha it is - and there's a history behind it too.
Henley Surf Life Saving Club was the first of its kind on on the beach in Adelaide, originally under the
Royal Life Saving Society. The club was the first to be accepted into the
Surf Life Saving movement in 1953.
View of Henley Beach from the balcony of the club
The club originally formed after a meeting of local residents and council members in
Henley Town Hall on the 1st of October, 1925.
View from the inside of the dining area. Views everywhere!
To date there's around 706 registered members ranging from 7 years old to Jim Doherty who's 95, and still officiates at inter club and interstate competitions. Now that's what I call dedication!
Member board at the entrance of the club
The club was without a building for 18 months during the demolition and construction stages. They continued to operate out of shipping containers in the carpark, with gear stored in an old service station closeby.
Membership continually grows
So dedicated are the members, that even though there were no shower facilities after their time on duty during the construction phase, the club's membership grew.
The restaurant is open Friday nights, Saturdays and Sundays. On the weekends there's a buffet breakfast and all day meals. Check the
website for opening hours as they do open sometimes on public holidays.
View from the balcony dining area
I think I've found my new hangout for summer. I would've liked to have kept it a secret, but that's impossible. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Bar and Food Menu
Tip: If you contact Nick through
Facebook you will get a quick reply. Now that's all round service!
