The Catalyst
With Claire Van Vuuren, head chef at Bloodwood, South King Street.
In 2010, when the Newtown-Enmore dining scene was still finding its identity, Bloodwood restaurant arrived on South King Street and changed the conversation. Owner and Head Chef Claire Van Vuuren brought an exceptional standard of culinary creativity, professional service, and a vibrant menu of share plates that felt simultaneously elevated and deeply unpretentious… perfectly Newtown.
In opening her restaurant, Claire helped the suburb see a more elevated version of itself. At that time, while North King Street still held its late-night institutions and The Sandringham was a live music venue, Bloodwood paved the way for a new level of quality and care that would soon define the precinct. This influence inspired the subsequent boom, including venues like Earls Juke Joint, Continental Deli, and many more. The fact that Bloodwood has endured so long, witnessing other institutions come, go, and change hands, is a testament to the timeless standard Claire established.
Bloodwood’s menu remains a living reflection of Claire’s travels and her commitment to collective care for the industry. She gives a vital shot to new, small producers, integrating their work into both the plate and the glass. Beyond the kitchen, she has been a mentor, having dedicated time to supporting and developing emerging female talent through Women in Hospitality.
In this neighbourhood, resilience is always packed with character. No story about Bloodwood is complete without mentioning her famous polenta chips. After a brief, creative hiatus from the menu, Claire relented to customer pressure and brought them back, a nod to the devoted, community she helped cultivate.
Claire’s wisdom on navigating the pressures of business is as valuable as her cooking. Eating at Bloodwood is a communal experience; it’s a direct connection to the vision, creativity, and enduring character that anchors the heart of Newtown-Enmore. It’s a place to be well looked after, and a living example of the cultural futures this community continues to shape.
Bloodwood
416 King St, Newtown NSW 2042
@bloodwoodntown
bloodwoodnewtown.com