A retro cafe and bar that pays homage to American gonzo journalist Hunter S Thompson with Rolling Stone articles as wallpaper and 1970s music, is fast becoming a new local for the Randwick community.

Bartender Collin Perillo, chef Tim Dengate and barista Aidan Morrison opened Bat Country in Randwick in December.

media_camera Marie Louise of Coogee and Alex George of Clovelly at Bat Country in Randwick. Picture: Phil Blatch.

They wanted to create a unique and welcoming place to meet friends, go on a date or grab a quality takeaway coffee from morning to night.

“We’re giving locals a bar, a place they can drink and eat, and it’s a cool local. It has a great atmosphere any time of the day,” Morrison says.

media_camera Vintage 1970s,Rolling Stone articles, some by Thompson, line the walls of the toilet at Bat Country. Picture: Laura Suckling

The bar, which trades from 6am seven days a week, is named after a scene in the 1998 film Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, based on the Thompson book.

Morrison says the owners wanted to create a bar with personality.

It is decorated in recycled timber and exposed brick, with Thompson references including motorbike headlights — a nod to his novel Hell’s Angels — and antler chandeliers referring to his time in Colorado.

media_camera Motorbike headlights shine over the booths, and antler chandeliers light up the tables at Bat Country. Picture: Laura Suckling.

media_camera A shelf filled with bottles of alcohol and glasses is suspended over the bar using motorbike chains. Picture: Laura Suckling

Dengate has kept the menu simple, with a small number of dishes.

He has tweaked old cafe favourites and offers seafood, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

“No one wants to go through pages and pages of a menu.”

“I think it’s a bit different to what you find at every other cafe,” he says.

“We’re keeping it simple with good ingredients and attention to detail.”

media_camera Spelt banana pancakes is a breakfast favourite Bat Country in Randwick. Picture: Phil Blatch. media_camera The retro cafe is a cool cocktail lounge..

media_camera Photographs of diners and old books fill the weathered walls at Bat Country.

media_camera Chook Fo Boy with house hot sauce at Bat Country. Picture: Phil Blatch

For breakfast try poppy crumpets and lemon butter for $9 or a bacon and egg roll with relish for $6.50.

Food at dinner comes in the form of share-style plates.

“Lettuce get fowl” is Bat Country’s version of san choy bau — shredded free-range chicken in lettuce cups.

media_camera A cosy nook with a 1970s vibe sits at the back of restaurant and is set to be a popular spot for diners in winter.

media_camera Salt and pepper squid at Bat Country..

WHAT: Bat Country

WHERE: 32 St Pauls St

COST: $8-$16

WHY GO: Delicious food, great price

DETAIL: 9398 6694

WEB: facebook.com/thisisbatcountry1

Originally published as Fear and loathing in Randwick?