These ‘fellas’ we speak of are chef Grant La Brooy (the brother of Three Blue Ducks co-founder Mark La Brooy), Andy Love and Troy Noonan. Whilst each boasts the credentials of working at Three Blue Ducks (we’re sure you’re all familiar with its glorious venue at The Farm in Byron Bay), the trio have built on their foundations to develop their own style with Shelter, which is their first collaborative venue. The 65-seat space, which occupies the former premises of Foam restaurant, overlooks Lennox Head beach. The surf is literally metres from the wide-open windows that wrap around the venue – so, no matter where you sit, you’ll see the ocean. Unsurpassed views aside, you can expect a casual yet refined approach to the fit-out, menu and vibe, with a real focus on specialty coffee (for those that like to know – you’ll find Single O beans pouring here). Currently, Shelter is serving breakfast and lunch, with dinners due to launch within the next few weeks.

What comes out of the kitchen is based on the seasonality of the local produce. The Shelter team works with local providores, local seafood trawlers and local butchers – basically, the menu well and truly puts the best of the region on the plate. For breakfast, try the fish cakes and poached eggs with gentleman’s relish, or spice it up a little with the pulled-pork scrambled eggs with Moroccan tomato relish and smoked chilli sauce. Come midday, the menu takes a subtle shift – there’s cured fish with buckwheat, horseradish cream, pickled mushrooms, soft egg, toasted sesame and nori, a roasted beetroot salad with witlof and red quinoa, and a fish of the day with shaved fennel, ruby grapefruit, black cauliflower puree and red-vein sorrel. Keep it simple (but significant) with the braised-brisket burger with slaw, smoked mayo and pickles atop a toasted brioche run – and don’t worry if meat ain’t your jam, because there are a number of amazing vegetarian and vegan dishes dotted across the menus. Pals, what are you waiting for? Jump in the car and take a short road trip south of the border to check out Shelter – you’ll find it open from 6:30 am daily at 41 Pacific Parade, Lennox Head.