Images by Renee Inexperienced Artistic
5/346 Esplanade, Scarness QLD 4655
barsoma.com.au
Nestled alongside Hervey Bay’s esplanade, Bar Soma is somewhat slice of cosmopolitan attraction that’s been shaking issues up since late 2022. Co-founded by Timo van Hest and Neil Yates, Soma is all about delivering a top-notch eating expertise in a laid-back, intimate setting.
Timo, along with his spectacular background in hospitality, and Neil, a talented chef, have crafted a spot the place you may dive into shared-style meals, sip on creative cocktails, and revel in a collection of pure wines. Timo’s imaginative and prescient for Soma attracts on his experiences from varied cities, infused with Neil’s culinary aptitude. After lacking the colourful eating scenes of larger cities whereas residing in Hervey Bay, they determined to convey a contact of that cosmopolitan magic to their new house.
The cocktails at Soma are a enjoyable mixture of acquainted flavours with a twist, designed to push your style buds simply past their consolation zone. In the meantime, their wine checklist showcases a spread of pure and low-intervention choices, spotlighting small producers who’re all about high quality.
The story behind Soma’s creation is as charming because the bar itself. Through the COVID lockdown, Timo and a chef mate had been reminiscing over a bottle of Harrison Sol Blanco, wishing for a venue in Hervey Bay that provided nice meals and drinks with a little bit of aptitude. An opportunity dialog led them to a vacant clothes retailer, and earlier than lengthy, Soma was born. The opening night time was a whirlwind success, with all 22 seats stuffed and a bustling vibe that’s continued ever since. They’ve even needed to double their workers within the first couple of months!
 
Just lately, they’ve added Mitchell Chambers to the staff, bringing his spectacular resume from Brisbane’s Exhibition restaurant and different high spots. With a loyal native following and some savvy vacationers discovering their option to Soma, the bar feels prefer it’s hit the candy spot for Hervey Bay. They’re additionally gearing as much as debut a 15-seat parklet this summer time, including much more attraction to the spot.
Soma takes its title from Aldous Huxley’s “Courageous New World,” the place the drug ‘soma’ gives an escape from actuality—a becoming nod to the little getaway Soma gives its patrons.
