Porteno's McGoram turns radio station into drinking hole

Sydney has bars in record stores and barber shops, so why not a radio station?

Former Porteno bar manager Simon McGoram and a small group of investors have taken over the old Bondi FM site at 143 Curlewis Street, Bondi Beach, where they'll launch a new station, Bondi Radio, squeezing a bar between the radio station's wires and panels.

The bar, to be named Neighbourhood, will serve its first drinks next week. It certainly has a neighbourhood vibe.

The bar is made from old fence palings sourced from local schools, and the kitchen will use produce and herbs from the venue's herb garden.

McGoram, and co-owner Eddie De Souza say the members of their team bring specialised experience to the project.

Keith Hodgson has a background in radio while Josh Evans cooked at The Corner House and Panama House on Bondi Road. McGoram, a bar operator and drinks writer, is the ''Mr Everywhere'' of the Sydney bar scene.