This underground lair is a hidden gem so it's a shame to publicise it at all. It serves up cocktails, rare groove DJs, low-key acoustic sessions and word-of-mouth gigs.
Despite sitting opposite famous Bondi Beach and smack-bang on busy Campbell Parade, Mocean Underground still manages to slip under the mainstream radar - and that's the way the management likes it. Mocean is underground in both name
and nature.
It's easy to stroll past this place (numerous times) and thinks it's just a restaurant. But look past the diners and you'll spot a simple staircase which leads to the hot little basement lair. Booth-clad and pocket-sized, Mocean is a hybrid bar, live act venue and mini-club; its crowd is equally diverse. Expect chilled locals, dreadlocked loungers, muso types and dolled-up eastern suburbs princesses with designer lads in tow. There's no dress code or attitude, but most people still seem to fit within the 'beautiful' strands of grunge and glam.
From Tuesdays to Fridays, DJs play rare groove, soul, funk and classics that range from early Michael Jackson's 'Beat It' to Salt'n'Pepa's 'Push It' and Lionel Richie's 'All Night Long'. Sunday sessions offer more of the same, but tunes kick off earlier (4pm).
Acoustic performances are sometimes held on Thursdays and occasionally big-name bands also hold intimate, word-of-mouth gigs. Recent visiting acts include Timmy Curran and the Foo Fighters.
The bar serves wine, bottled beer and cocktails such as the Lady Marmalade (Cointreau, gin, lemon, marmalade and elderflower).
Andrea Tomaz
