Henrys bar and restaurant to open in Cronulla

Wondering which Sydney suburb will prove to be the breakout food hit of summer? Cronulla's odds are shortening after a rash of new restaurant, burger and souvlaki joints opening and the launch of an oyster bar. Now comes news the group behind Clubhouse Rosebery and Goldfish Bar & Kitchen is joining the Cronulla Party.

Publica Group general manager Julian Damjano​ confirmed they'll put their stamp on the prized Gunnamatta Pavilion, with a late 2016 launch, as well as opening Henrys, a separate 112-seat bar and restaurant, on December 9.

The Paul Kelly designed venue will slide into a site on the corner of Ocean Grove Avenue and Gerrale Street. Henrys gets its name from Henry Tugwell, the policeman who patrolled Cronulla on horseback early last century. "Henry used to ride on horseback wearing a bowler hat and a woollen coat," Damjano says. "He was the area's original hipster."

Executive chef Rafael Tonon's​ opening menu includes lobster rolls and scallops with mandarin and burnt chilli oil.