From the Southern Highlands to Sydney, Melbourne and eventually the South Coast, Luke Bow has spent more than two decades building a career around great food but it’s in the Shoalhaven that he and his family have found home.
A chef by trade, Luke began his apprenticeship in Bowral, completing his first two years in the Southern Highlands before moving to Sydney, where he finished his training in Coogee. His career has since taken him through kitchens in Sydney and Melbourne and across an impressive 23 years in the hospitality industry.
Around 12 years ago, Luke made the move to Vincentia to be closer to family. From there, he gradually found his way further south, first to Mollymook and eventually to Bawley Point, where he now lives with his wife Brooke and their two daughters.
For Luke, there’s plenty to love about life on the South Coast: the coastline, the surf, our beautiful summer weather and even the cooler winter months. But as a chef, it’s the quality of the produce coming from the region, particularly its seafood that makes the Shoalhaven such an exciting place to cook.
Seafood is one of Luke’s favourite ingredients to work with, supported by a trusted local supplier in Batemans Bay. One dish in particular has become something of a Luke Bow signature: spicy raw fish served on a crispy rice cake - a dish that showcases his love of fresh seafood and big flavours.
Before opening Merry St, Luke worked as Executive Chef at Willinga Park, where Brooke was also working. The pair had moved to the Bawley Point/Kioloa area in 2022 and quickly fell in love with both the coastline and the close-knit local community.
They also saw an opportunity.
In September 2024, Luke and Brooke opened Merry St in Kioloa creating the kind of restaurant they themselves wanted to visit: somewhere relaxed and welcoming, where locals and visitors could come together over seriously good food.
Luke brings his years of kitchen experience and passion for fresh, seasonal produce to the menu, while Brooke’s focus on creating a warm and welcoming space completes the experience. Together, they’ve created a restaurant that feels right at home in its coastal setting.
Merry St is a reflection of the things Luke values about food and hospitality - quality produce, great company and food worth talking about without losing the relaxed character of the community it calls home.
It’s this combination of experience, passion for local produce and commitment to creating something special here in the Shoalhaven that makes Luke Bow one of our Homegrown Heroes.
