As long as I can think back, I can remember seeing images of the iconic Brighton Bathing Boxes, all lined up colourfully along the beach edge of Brighton. I always wondered about the story behind these bathing boxes and who, were amongst the fortunate few, to own one. I didn’t think that I actually knew anyone that did, but as it happens, a foodie friend of mine, Tonya Jennings from Cooking on the Bay Cooking School in St. Kilda (and On the Ridge Cooking School, Sunshine Coast), does.
There are 82 Brighton Bathing Boxes in all, magically lined up along the Dendy Street Beach, they are much photographed, much frequented and unobtainably in demand. And… I was lucky enough to be invited to picnic there with Tonya. While I felt very special, Tonya invites many of her cooking school attendees to enjoy the spoils of her classes at this fabulous location, so this is not just a treat exclusive to me, but let me just indulge in the fantasy for the moment…
So… it was a gloriously sunny day, waves gently lapping on the waters edge, and then a kaleidoscopic vision of splendorous little cabins in every colour combination imaginable, facing the Bay.
I can see why they are such a rare commodity. Once acquired, they seem to stay acquired – I am certain that I would never part with one – what a fabulous way to spend summer brunches, lunches, afternoons, evenings and everything in between, before and after.
I imagine each one of these picturesque little additions to the Port Phillip Bay shoreline have brilliant and illustrious histories… I must ask Tonya if she has ever looked into the history of her own acquisition.
Each bathing box is uniform in scale, proportion and building materials and must comply with the Planning Scheme Heritage Overlay of Brighton City Council, each one is unique and individualised by its current owner and that is what makes them so wonderful.
Looking into their history, I read something about them also being called ‘morality boxes’ which made me laugh… not wanting to cast any doubt over my own morality… but just what are we talking about here?? Protection for the modesty for a more reserved 19th century, I fancy that modesty and morality has taken on quite a different definition circa 2013.
And there is nothing modest about Tonya’s delicious food… Taramasalata, an insanely tasty Bessara, and as a decadent little bathing box finale… yoghurt pannacotta with pomegranate seeds… summer magic I say!
Packing up, I thought it might be nice to live in one of these little beauties… alas, I don’t think it is allowed, and well, with the lack of electricity and other amenities, I decided that while I could live without some things, I would struggle without running water and wifi, in the meantime though I will continue to romanticise to totally irrational thought process…
While I am not about to shack up (literally) at Brighton beach… I can at least enjoy the spoils of our lunch, and you can too. Tonya has generously shared her recipe for the bessara and pannacotta… enjoy!
If you would like to know more about Tonya’s Cooking classes, visit
This post was written by Petra Frieser – Pebbles + Pomegranate Seeds
Some more piccies for you…
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