A vibrant community gathering spot in Port Kembla is drawing large crowds with its unique blend of food, music, and atmosphere. On July 11, 2025, patrons flocked to The Servo, a former petrol station, to enjoy a pop-up kitchen run by Roy’s Restobar, where owner-operators Lloyd Hendriksen and Vince Gibbs served up innovative snacks alongside live music performances.
The pop-up kitchen, located on the forecourt of The Servo, featured an array of enticing dishes, including pork cordon bleu buns and deep-fried lasagne sandwiches. Despite recent storms causing a last-minute power issue, Hendriksen and Gibbs efficiently managed the kitchen while a growing number of visitors gathered around fire pits, played pool, and enjoyed the eclectic atmosphere.
As the sun set, the venue came alive. Patrons of all ages, some accompanied by children and dogs, sat on colourful plastic chairs around tables made from repurposed oil drums. The ambiance was enhanced by festoon lights illuminating the central rotunda, while the nearby Port Kembla steelworks provided a dramatic backdrop with its burning gas flame.
Gibbs skillfully prepared cocktails, including a signature Roy’s mojito and a negroni classico, as the queue grew longer. Music legends Reg Mombassa and Peter O’Doherty, set to perform with their band Dog Trumpet, were among the first to sample the menu. Mombassa enjoyed a hot fried fish sandwich, while O’Doherty praised the hash brown sandwich with Louisiana remoulade, exclaiming “Hoo ha” with each bite.
The menu boasted standout items that quickly became crowd favorites. The pork cordon bleu sandwich featured layers of tender pork and melted cheese, encased in a crispy coating and served with horseradish and dill sauce. The deep-fried lasagne was equally impressive, presenting a mini mountain of crumbed pasta and sauce, adorned with parmesan shavings, which delighted diners.
The Servo, which opened in 2018, operates from Thursday to Sunday. Under the direction of James Spink, it has established itself as a cultural hub, featuring live music, art exhibitions, and food truck collaborations. Notable past pop-ups have included offerings from local favorites like Papi’s Birria Tacos and El Cantina.
In addition to its food offerings, Spink has developed a custom beer, PK Lager, in collaboration with Seeker Brewing from nearby Unanderra. The combination of delicious food, unique drinks, and live performances creates an experience that many describe as heavenly.
As Dog Trumpet took the stage inside the venue’s workshop building, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. The evening skies illuminated by a storm showcased plumes of steam rising from the steelworks, contributing to the magical setting. With Hendriksen and Gibbs tirelessly serving sandwiches and cocktails, the community gathered to enjoy the music and the vibrant atmosphere that The Servo has come to embody.
The Servo continues to attract food lovers and music enthusiasts alike, establishing itself as a cornerstone of the Port Kembla community, where creativity and culinary innovation thrive.
