The drinks list at Outpost Bar features an all-Australian line-up of wine, beer and spirits. Photo: H Creations.
Broulee has a new local bar featuring the best of Australian wines, spirits and beers, and they’ve even snagged a local food legend to run the kitchen.
Lee and Peter Louttit run a development and design business and are the team behind the impressive new Train Street Central precinct. The precinct is full of businesses, but they knew they wanted a bar to serve as a gathering place for the community to relax. Eventually, they realised that they could do it themselves.
“We made the decision to jump in boots and all and do it ourselves,” Lee Louttit told Region.
“We’ve learned a lot in a short period of time. It’s exhausting, but we’re really pleased we’ve got to this point.”
Daughter Casie Louttit is also helping to run the administrative side of the business.
Outpost Bar is a family affair, with Casie, Lee and Peter Louttit all pitching in. Photo: H Creations.
Rather than focusing on one particular beverage, Lee said their focus is on showcasing Australian drinks. The entire drinks menu is comprised of Australian wines, beers, and spirits, which at times has posed a creative challenge.
“There’s been a bit of tweaking with cocktails because of the local focus. For example, there are few places doing agave spirits, but they’re not tequila as such. But even in the short period of time since we’ve been researching, there’s been new products coming on the market, so it’s getting easier to source.”
Lee said she even had a few alcohol reps try to change her mind, saying they could source international spirits for a cheaper price. But she’s dedicated to the local vision.
“People understand that they’re supporting Australian products, and are happy to pay a dollar or two more for something local.”
Chef Peter Compton is heading up the kitchen at Outpost Bar. Photo: H Creations.
Local hospitality legend Peter Compton has come on board to run the kitchen, fresh from the sale of his restaurant The River in Moruya. He has a long history with the Louttit family, as several of their kids worked at The River during high school and during summer holidays.
He’s kept in touch with his local suppliers and is excited to be doing something new.
“It looked like the perfect place to go – a little bit smaller and a completely different style of food: tasty tapas, simpler style, still using local produce, and a bit more bar-driven,” Peter explained.
“It’s just really tasty bar stuff, a bit salty, a bit vinegary – just stuff that makes you want to have a drink!”
The menu is made up of sharing plates for a convivial atmosphere. Photo: H Creations.
The team have done two soft openings so far, which have received excellent feedback, and will open to the public on Thursday, 20 November.
Outpost Bar is located at 9/40 Train Street, Broulee, NSW. They will be open from 20 November, 3 pm to 9 pm, Thursday to Saturday, and 12 pm to 6 pm on Sundays. Bookings open now. Follow Outpost Bar on Facebook or Instagram.
