Photos by Renee Green Creative
5/346 Esplanade, Scarness QLD 4655
barsoma.com.au
Nestled along Hervey Bay’s esplanade, Bar Soma is a little slice of cosmopolitan charm that’s been shaking things up since late 2022. Co-founded by Timo van Hest and Neil Yates, Soma is all about delivering a top-notch dining experience in a laid-back, intimate setting.
Timo, with his impressive background in hospitality, and Neil, a skilled chef, have crafted a spot where you can dive into shared-style meals, sip on inventive cocktails, and enjoy a selection of natural wines. Timo’s vision for Soma draws on his experiences from various cities, infused with Neil’s culinary flair. After missing the vibrant dining scenes of bigger cities while living in Hervey Bay, they decided to bring a touch of that cosmopolitan magic to their new home.
The cocktails at Soma are a fun mix of familiar flavours with a twist, designed to push your taste buds just beyond their comfort zone. Meanwhile, their wine list showcases a range of natural and low-intervention options, spotlighting small producers who are all about quality.
The story behind Soma’s creation is as charming as the bar itself. During the COVID lockdown, Timo and a chef mate were reminiscing over a bottle of Harrison Sol Blanco, wishing for a venue in Hervey Bay that offered great food and drinks with a bit of flair. A chance conversation led them to a vacant clothing store, and before long, Soma was born. The opening night was a whirlwind success, with all 22 seats filled and a bustling vibe that’s continued ever since. They’ve even had to double their staff in the first couple of months!
Recently, they’ve added Mitchell Chambers to the team, bringing his impressive resume from Brisbane’s Exhibition restaurant and other top spots. With a loyal local following and a few savvy tourists finding their way to Soma, the bar feels like it’s hit the sweet spot for Hervey Bay. They’re also gearing up to debut a 15-seat parklet this summer, adding even more charm to the spot.
Soma takes its name from Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World,” where the drug ‘soma’ provides an escape from reality—a fitting nod to the little getaway Soma offers its patrons.
