Story and photos by Lesley Hannaford and Cristina Sharratt
You would have noticed the changing face of Cocomangas in recent weeks as it evolved into The Sticky Wicket Bar.
I’m sure many of you would have darkened the door of Cocomangas over the years. It was a Byron institution and one of the few places in town run successfully by the same owners, Sue and Gary, for more than 20 years.
Changing lifestyles and their English/Canadian backgrounds led them to the idea of the North American-style sports bar with a nod to the British local pub – something a little different for Byron Bay.
A place where everyone is welcome to have a drink, eat great food or catch up on national and international sport on a choice of 13 screens. Whatever you follow, chances are they’ll be showing it. If it isn’t, let them know and they’ll put it on. When I went it was Manchester United, ice-cold wine and three really good fish tacos – heaven.
And don’t think the food and drink take second place to the action. The American-influenced menu delivers fresh food made daily by head chef Tom Bower – perfect accompaniments to their impressive range of tap and bottled beers, wine and cocktails.
Cricket-stump beer taps are a fun touch and the beer menu is unique with Melbourne craft brewers Cricketers Arms and Asahi Black on tap. The legendary Cocomangas Jam Jar cocktails are still available and only $10 during happy hour – Mon–Fri 5–6pm – along with some mighty fine $1 wings.
And parents rejoice as kids meals are served with veges if you want a break from their very moreish fries.
Add to this some great live music downstairs Weds to Sat – see Echo Gigs for details – and DJs upstairs Friday/Saturday nights from 9pm. And if you want to dust off those skates, get down to the Disco Inferno nights with the amazing DJ Flashdance – Ali May.
The Sticky Wicket Bar – 32 Jonson St – 6685 8493 – Open 7 days from 12pm.
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