It’s often said that it takes a local’s perspective to truly understand a suburb and recognise its potential. This has certainly been the case for Carly Electric and Channey Fell who were having breakfast at Highline when the eagle-eyed pair caught a glimpse of a ‘For Lease’ sign in the window of Palm Beach’s long-standing kebab shop. As they sipped their coffee, they mused about how great it would be to open a friendly, unpretentious neighbourhood bar that rocked Madonna and Fleetwood Mac (among other 80s and 90s bangers and old-school hip hop) on repeat. Having spent the last 17 years in hospitality, Channey knew the idea had legs and convinced Carly, one-half of Not Your Bby The Label, that this was a sure thing. Fast-forward three months and the garish green facade (and aroma of onion) has been replaced by neon pink, corrugated iron and graffiti-style artwork by local Palm Beach artist Timmi Fresh.

Despite the implications of the name, The Hood is friendly and welcoming and you can’t help but smile when you’re there. In the immortal words of Madonna “just let the music set you free”. The gals’ vision for the quaint 45-seater was brought to life by the brilliantly talented Bridgette Ford from Arch Interiors, who is also responsible for Social Eating House + Bar’s spiffy new look as well as Orzo and Rosella’s, to name a few. The menu has been crafted with a hyperlocal ethos to showcase some of the incredible things made in and around Palm Beach. The bites, for example, are prepped by their pals down the road at Burgster and finished on-site – think tequila-soaked margarita wings, arancini and meatballs, and bloody Mary-ready pickles that are made in Burleigh. The cocktail selection is equally as succinct and features a rosemary-infused gin with passionfruit (that’s the Hood Pash, just in case you were wondering), and a locally made jam-infused strawberry negroni. Fun fact, Channey is also a trained sommelier so you can bet your bottom dollar that the venue’s wine list is a bonafide banger and showcases a tightly curated selection of biodynamic and boutique producers, whether your preference is an easy-drinking savvy b or a punchy pet nat.

Ready to check out your new local? Skip over to our Stumble Guide for opening times.