Eve Jeffery
From the creators of Byron’s late-night institution, Woody’s Surf Shack, comes the Saltwater Social Club, a few doors up on Jonson Street.
Saltwater is a relaxed restaurant by day and lively bar by night. Opened by husband and wife teams Loren Nowland and Caitlin Cady Nowland, and Bjorn Peterson and his wife Peta Peterson.
Loren is a career hospitality professional, having owned and operated venues in New Zealand as well as here in Australia. Bjorn brings a wealth of experience in administration and operations of a variety of hospitality-based businesses. Caitlin is a creative director, with a background in branding, interior styling, visual arts and marketing. She is also a published author and the creator of the Heavily Meditated app.
‘We purchased the Sticky Wicket in March,’ says Caitlin. ‘Just about two weeks before the lockdown took effect. After a rebrand and major renovation, we reopened our doors in September’.
Caitlin says they love setting the stage for good times with good friends. ‘Creating a consistent, holistic experience for our guests is our primary goal. We’re also really passionate about creating spaces that reflect the laid back coastal lifestyle people flock to Byron Bay for, and following that up with warm, friendly service’.
‘To us, good hospitality means making people feel comfortable, relaxed, and welcome. Great hospitality goes even further and creates a complete experience for the guest. We strive for that. That comes down to not only the service philosophy, but also the brand and design of the space, the music, food, drinks. Everything is considered because we want to tell a story from start to finish’.
Caitlin says patrons at Saltwater feel welcomed and comfortable. ‘Our guests seem to love that they can rock up with sandy feet straight from the beach, or in their “Byron Best” for Saturday night drinks and dinner with their besties.’
Caitlin says they have opened the upstairs library, which features a second bar, lounge seating, a fireplace and pool table, as well as the iconic outdoor balcony looking over Jonson Street. ‘We’re really excited to share this space with our guests. It’s also available for private hire, so it’s perfect for birthdays, wedding after-parties, staff parties and more.’
Caitlin says everyone at the Saltwater Social Club is really proud of their menu, created by legendary chef Brad Enright. ‘The menu includes shareable snacks, salads, and hand-stretched sourdough pizzas. We source as much of our produce locally and organically as possible. There is so much love and attention that goes into the food, from the house-brined organic chicken to the slow-fermented pizza dough, we’re super passionate about serving delicious food made the old fashioned way from high-quality local ingredients.
‘We have also just launched our Sunset Series happy hour specials, available from 4–6pm daily, which includes Margarita, guacamole, salsa and chips, Surfer’s Wife Sangria, a bucket of 4 Pines Summer Ale tinnies, Green Beacon lager (schooner), and Willowglen red, white or sparkling by the glass.
‘It’s really that warm, laid back vibe that people resonate with,’ says Caitlin. ‘We want guests to not just feel welcome, but to take ownership of the space and really feel like it’s their spot. Hence the name, Saltwater Social Club.’
Their motto? Good Times, High Tides, Late Nights, High Vibes. Find the club at 32 Jonson Street Byron Bay and www.saltwatersocialclub.com.au.
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