Images: North Haven Surf Life Saving Club (supplied)
The North Haven Surf Life Saving Club has long been a hub for the coastal community. Perfectly located on the esplanade, it’s a place filled with families, volunteers, and locals taking in the serenity and sunsets over the jetty.
Now, in a move designed to both support the club’s future and the wider coast through tough times, the club is levelling up. Rebranded as The Breakwater, the site will soon reopen as a cafe, bar and casual dining space, with plans to grow into a lively entertainment spot over summer.
“It’ll start off open three days a week as a cafe, bar and kitchen, with a really family-friendly, casual style,” says club president Bridget Johnson.
“From December, the plan is to open seven days a week, and like we’ve done in the past, we’ll bring back live music and summer events.”
The name was community-driven. “Originally, we called it New Haven, but with another business nearby having a similar name, we listened to feedback and shifted,” Bridget explains.
The decision to rebrand was also about sustainability. Until recently, the cafe was run entirely by volunteers, but Bridget says the model had its limits.
“You can only go so far when it’s volunteer-based. We realised we had this beautiful, beachside location with a big outdoor area, and the opportunity to bring more people into North Haven while helping our club remain financially secure.”
To do that, the club turned to the community, and a callout on social media led to a partnership with hospitality operator Cat Delvin, who Bridget describes as “a perfect fit.”
“Cat shares the same vision we do – to keep that warm, community feel, while lifting the food and drinks offering,” says Bridget.
“What we were missing in the past was quality food, and now we’ve got someone in who really knows what they’re doing. It feels like a fresh start.”
The menu is still under wraps, but expect pub classics with “pizzazz.” And on the drinks front, the focus will be South Australian wines, approachable cocktails and of course coffee.
The space itself is staying relaxed and family-oriented.
“It’s the perfect spot for people who want to sit with their dog, while the kids kick a ball around, or just to watch a spectacular sunset,” says Bridget. “It’s always been about being welcoming.”
Longer term, Cat’s background in food trucks and events will shape the scheduling, with live music and pop-up activations already on the cards. For now, the goal is to get the doors open and re-establish the surf club as a dining and entertainment destination. The team are eyeing off Father’s Day weekend as a potential opening date.
“It’s been a tough time for coastal communities, with the algal bloom crisis really affecting businesses,” explains Bridget.
“This is our way of encouraging people to keep coming to the coast, to enjoy what’s here, and to support surf lifesaving in the process. We’re positive about it, and we think The Breakwater will be something special.”
The Breakwater is slated to open in the next couple of weeks. Find updates on the Facebook page.
What: The Breakwater
Where: 44 Australia Two Ave, North Haven
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