Things weren’t looking good for Mosman Rowers Club last year after the North Shore hub fell into administration. But thanks to the passion of the surrounding community, the historic venue will shortly re-emerge from its financial ruin with a new venue in tow.

Community funding, which saw $150,000 raised, is spearheading the relaunch which will see the Mosman Rowers team join forces with hospitality crew Bird & Bear Group. The latter are no strangers to the food realm, as the group behind The Sandy Bear at Clontarf and The Flying Bear at Kirribilli.

“For us, this kick off is the starting point,” president Kathrina Doran told The Daily Telegraph. “It’s been a lot of hard work to get here. We are going to really take this club to the next level. We are all super excited to get it open and get going.”

With Bird & Bear in charge, the 108-year-old Mosman Rowers will be more food-focused than ever, catering to breakfast through dinner. Eating options will be spread across two levels; with bites and drinks available at the Rowers Bar and something more substantial served in 100-seat eatery Archie Bear. Coffee will now also come into focus, and will be available daily from 7.30am.

In terms of design, the structure of the build has been left intentionally as is. But Etic design studio has been on hand to revamp the interiors, and assist the Mosman Rowers with its rebirth. While The Rowers Bar has been gently updated, but Archie Bear is a new space with heavy emphasis on natural light and pastel hues.

Says Bird & Bear co-owner Emma Marshall: “It’s such a good story when around Sydney there are so many fantastic clubs with so much history and love that are declining and some that are closing their doors. And once they are gone they are gone forever.”

Mosman Rowers Club
3 Centenary Drive, Mosman
mosmanrowers.com.au