My Secret Sydney with Mr Jason Grant
Welcome to a brand new series on Wee Birdy, “My Secret Sydney”.
I launched My Secret London back in 2008, asking local insiders and taste-makers to open their little black books and spill their favourite secret London shops, cafes, restaurants and places to relax. Not surprisingly, it’s one of the most popular series on Wee Birdy!
Ever since I moved back to Sydney, I’ve been waiting for the right time (and person) to launch the local version.
And who better than Mr Jason Grant, super-stylist and all-round rather nice chap, who just happens to live in Bondi, Sydney’s most famous beach suburb.
Mr Jason Grant at Bondi. Photography via Mr Jason Grant’s Instagram.
Jason has just launched his second book, Holiday at Home, so I took the opportunity to ask him to open up his little black book and share his favourite Bondi spots with Wee Birdy readers.
Jason, how long have you lived in Bondi? Would you ever want to live anywhere else in Sydney?
About four years – once you have lived in Bondi, it’s pretty hard to want to live anywhere else in Sydney – I love being close to the ocean and nature and also close to one of the world’s best cities.
Bondi beach. Photography via Mr Jason Grant’s Instagram.
Tell us a bit about Bondi homes and gardens. What makes them unique?
It’s totally Australian style and my style; laid-back, relaxed and casual.
A peek inside Jason’s Bondi home. Photography via Mr Jason’s Grant’s Instagram.
A vignette in Jason’s Bondi home. Photography via Mr Jason Grant’s Instagram.
Jason’s kitchen. Photography via Mr Jason Grant’s Instagram.
Venice in Bondi. Photography via Mr Jason Grant’s Instagram.
Santa Barbara in Bondi. Photography via Mr Jason’s Grant’s Instagram.
Manhattan in Bondi. Photography via Mr Jason Grant’s Instagram.
What’s the best thing about living in Bondi?
The beach.
Bondi beach. Photography via Mr Jason Grant’s Instagram.
What’s the one thing you don’t like about Bondi?
I love everything about Bondi.
Bondi Pavilion. Photography via Mr Jason Grant’s Instagram.
North Bondi Surf Club. Photography via Mr Jason Grant’s Instagram.
Bondi lights. Photography via Mr Jason Grant’s Instagram.
Bondi beach. Photography via Mr Jason Grant’s Instagram.
Bondi’s Festival of the Winds. Photography via Mr Jason Grant’s Instagram.
What are your favourite shops in Bondi?
Yellow Bungalow and Girl & Graaf.
Yellow Bungalow. Photography via Mr Jason Grant’s Instagram.
Yellow Bungalow. Photography via Mr Jason Grant’s Instagram.
Yellow Bungalow. Photography via Mr Jason Grant’s Instagram.
Yellow Bungalow. Photography via Mr Jason Grant’s Instagram.
Books at Girl and Graaf. Photography via Mr Jason Grant’s Instagram.
Flowers at Girl and Graaf. Photography via Mr Jason Grant’s Instagram.
Girl and Graaf. Photography via Mr Jason Grant’s Instagram.
Are there any good op-shops in Bondi?
St Vincent de Paul in Hall Street is always worth a look.
Where is your favourite place to get a coffee in Bondi?
For north Bondi, Porch and Parlour and Panama House for south Bondi.
Porch and Parlour. Photography via Mr Jason’s Grant’s Instagram.
Breakfast at Porch and Parlour. Photography via Mr Jason Grant’s Instagram.
Drinks at Panama House. Photography via Mr Jason Grant’s Instagram.
Cold pressed juices at Panama House. Photography via Mr Jason Grant’s Instagram.
Where do you go for lunch in Bondi?
Harry’s Espresso.
Best for dinner and drinks in Bondi?
The Corner House or for an occasion, Icebergs Dining Room.
View from Icebergs Dining Room. Photography via Mr Jason Grant’s Instagram.
Pavlova at Icebergs Dining Room. Photography via Mr Jason Grant’s Instagram.
Where would you take a first-time visitor to Bondi?
Straight to Icebergs pool.
Bondi Icebergs pool. Photography via Mr Jason Grant’s Instagram.
Bondi Icebergs pool. Photography via Mr Jason Grant’s Instagram.
Bondi Icebergs pool. Photography via Mr Jason Grant’s Instagram.
Bondi Icebergs pool. Photography via Mr Jason Grant’s Instagram.
Do you have a favourite spot in Bondi?
I love to swim at Icebergs pool and we often take our dog Sophia to Marks Park.
Jason’s Boston terrier, Sophia, at Marks park. Photography via Mr Jason Grant’s Instagram.
What’s the best souvenir to take home from Bondi?
A magic Instagram shot!
The ultimate Bondi souvenir. Photography via Mr Jason Grant’s Instagram.
Click here to a Wee Birdy map showing all of Jason’s secret Bondi spots, with full contact details and opening hours.
Thanks for sharing your favourite Bondi spots with us, Jason!
Holiday at Home by Mr Jason Grant, published by Hardie Grant Books, RRP $45.
Jason’s wonderful new book, Holiday at Home, is out now. It’s just like peeking inside his personal scrapbook, filled with inspirational images, amazing finds and practical advice on how to feel like you’re permanently on holiday – in your own home.
You can find more of Jason’s finds on his Instagram account @mr_jason_grant, and you might like to add his excellent blog, mrjasongrant.com to your bookmarks.
Tell me: do you have a favourite spot or shop in Bondi?
