Local bloke – Simon Hart from Bondi

By Dan Hutton on January 31, 2017 in People

Simon Hart is the owner of Byron Bay Chopping Blocks. He’s lived in Bondi for the last eight years having returned from the depths of despair out west. He shares his local favourites with The Beast…

How long have you lived here? Eight years. My folks used to live here when I was a kid then moved out west and I couldn’t wait to get back here.

What’s your favourite beach? Bondi. I love the south corner to surf on the long board and the north to hang out with friends.

What’s your favourite eatery? I spend a lot of time at the Three Steps Café. Those guys are quick, they know what you want, the prices are reasonable and there’s no fuss.

Where do you like to have a drink? I don’t drink that much, but I drink a lot of fresh juice from the Bondi Fruitologist. Those guys are always friendly.

Best thing about the Eastern Suburbs? There is always something happening, from Sculpture by the Sea to Bondi Winter Magic ice skating at the Pavilion.

Worst thing about the Eastern Suburbs? Maybe the parking. It’s so hard if friends and family come over. They should probably catch the bus, but they’re often full too.

Do you have a favourite sporting team? I love the Swans, especially if they are winning. They went so close this year.

What music are you into at the moment? I’m loving Kingfisha from Brisbane’s roots/reggae sound, and his voice is so sweet.

Who is your favourite person? At the moment Andrew who works with me. He’s my right arm.

What do you get up to on the weekends? Most weekends are down at the Bondi Farmers Market working. If I do get some time off I’m playing the guitar, writing music or surfing.

What do you do for work? I’m the owner of Byron Bay Chopping Boards. I started it after 18 years of being a chef. The chopping boards are all eco-friendly, made from one solid piece of timber. I’m down at Bondi Farmers Market on the second, fourth and fifth Saturdays of the month.

What’s your favourite thing about work? I get to spend my time between Bondi and Byron, and my dad has just retired to Bali, so I have the three Bs – Bondi, Byron and Bali.

Do you have a favourite quote? “Go Placidly amid the haste and the noise and remember what peace there may be in silence, Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are a vexation to the spirit” – The Desiderata.

Any other words of wisdom for readers of The Beast? Live through just one day and try not to deal with all of life’s problem at once.