Drake Eatery

“I’ve been wanting to open something like this for a number of years and I’m thrilled to be bringing the concept to life locally in my beloved Bondi,” said Chef Ian Oakes. “Drake is a neighbourhood eatery, easy to drop into any time of the day, whether it’s for a snack, drinks or a full meal. Simply put, it’s the sort of place I would like to eat on my days off.”

Sydney born and raised, Ian is best known for his time as Head Chef at The Grand National (Restaurant) in Paddington. Under his watch, the restaurant was awarded a 1 Chef’s Hat rating for four consecutive years. Ian spent a number of years working in London at Kitchen W8 with ‘stages’ at St Johns, The Ledbury and Claridges. Ian has recently finished consulting across a selection of venues in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.

It has long been a dream of Ian’s to open a restaurant that offers locally sourced, seasonal and sustainable food in a casual, welcoming environment. Quality produce treated with respect is the focus of this Bondi eatery. Consistency of food, service and setting will make this a destination that locals adopt as their own and visitors seek out. Ian has partnered with leading Sydney-based brands such as Aje, who have designed the uniforms, and Toby’s Estate Coffee to bring the best of Sydney together in Bondi.

Drake reflects Ian’s passion for innovative food. He encourages diners to “eat how you want to eat”, whether that be sharing dishes, eating a full meal or ordering a few snacks. Drake’s a la carte menu is guided by the seasons and the availability of quality ingredients. The lunch and dinner menu begins with a selection of small dishes including Tea-smoked ocean trout with celeriac, sorrel and liquorice, and Thyme gnocchi with golden raisins, hazelnuts and Pecora blue. Larger dishes include Pan roasted blue eye cod with celeriac, walnuts and faro, and Roasted half Thirlmere duck with cipollini onion, carrot and gingerbread. Sides could be Roast pumpkin, streaky bacon and brussels sprouts, or Spiced grains, almonds, labne and pomegranate. Rounding out the menu are desserts such as White chocolate + honeycomb parfait and salted caramel, and Ricotta doughnuts served with crème fraiche and lemon curd.

“I’ve been wanting to open something like this for a number of years and I’m thrilled to be bringing the concept to life locally in my beloved Bondi,” said Ian. “Drake is a neighbourhood eatery, easy to drop into any time of the day, whether it’s for a snack, drinks or a full meal. Simply put, it’s the sort of place I would like to eat on my days off.”