MTV’s Darren McMullen - Stripped Bare

If Darren McMullen ruled the world, things would be very different. Firstly, it would not be considered aberrant to take a swig of scotch straight from the bottle before lunch time. You could even count the day as an alcohol-free one if you’ve had a couple, but not enough to get all your kit off at a party. Monogamy would be a choice rather than an expectation. The preferred dress code for all industry events would be ‘stripped bare’. And, rather than being known as a laid-back bunch, Aussies would be famous the world-over for being arrested for disorderly behaviour…

…but life would be one massive party.

By Lizza Gebilagin

McMullen’s life is like that. The Scot-born presenter of MTV’s music show The Lair epitomises everything that summer for a 20-something should be about: partying, boozing, and fucking. Lots of all three, and preferably an abundance of the last activity.

“I’m never dishonest with girls though. I’m always completely upfront and tell them I’m not the boyfriend type, I’m not looking for a girlfriend at the moment. If that’s what they’re after, it’s not
me. I’m the guy you have fun with. If they do [have sex with me] it’s their own fault,” he laughs.

So what is the largest amount of girls you’ve had sex with in one night?

“I don’t know if I should answer this question.”

He hesitates and nervously looks around him.

“Five or six, probably.” McMullen bursts out laughing, shocked that even he answered the question.

In one go?

“Yeah, some together. I’ve had fivesomes with four girls and me. I was the only boy.” He continues, “There were boys in the vicinity but they weren’t joining in.”

McMullen first entered the ranks of panty peeling, stud status, thanks to Pamela Anderson when she kissed McMullen during an interview. The two have a long history now – well long enough for celebrity-ville. He even scored a second pash from the surgically-enhanced star and an invitation to the Playboy mansion when he interviewed her again a year later. Now, if you can pull Pammy without trying, the world is literally your sushi belt and you a non-paying, yet extremely satisfied customer.

Read the full story in Corker Issue 3: Summer 2008/09

Bungabar, Bondi

As a child of the 80s I was told by television that the best way to quench a hard earned thirst was with a big cold beer. And, that big cold beer was VB. But since I was old enough to legally drink, I’ve never had the desire to reach for a cold can. Honestly, I only drink the stuff when there’s nothing else and if it’s free.

By Lizza Gebilagin

I’d rather drink cocktails in this warm weather. Ideally, on the beach served by gorgeous waiters – exactly what you would find on the Greek Islands. It might be a while until Australia takes on that concept, but until then Bungabar in Bondi will be suffice. It’s located only a short walk from Bondi Beach and has an impressive cocktail list, plus beer for those of you who were more susceptible to those early VB ads.

The cosy surf bar fits around 70 punters and features long tables that were purposely selected by owner Yossi Zamir to encourage people to make friends with strangers. The community vibe extends all the way to the menu: you can purchase jugs of alcohol and tapas to share. We start with the Jungle Juice ($20). Zamir stresses that this cocktail is the only one in Australia that is true to its original Balinese roots. He should know – he spent two years searching for the traditional recipe. He doesn’t reveal the secret ingredients, but says that the imitators use vodka, orange juice, lemonade and grenadine. The cocktail arrives at our table in a green and orange jug, accompanied by two shot glasses. My friend and I take a sip and it goes down so smoothly we argue about whether there is any alcohol in it at all.

Next up, we order tapas: garlic prawns and fiesta chicken in orange and tomato relish ($8 each). Both are delicious, but don’t go down well with the Jungle Juice, so we order a jug of Sangria ($20). After the round of Spanish cuisine and drinks, we decide to order Bungabar’s famous beef nachos ($14). Unlike your typical pub nachos, it is served with big chunks of meat and perfectly toasted chips. For desert we have a glass of the Wildberry Caprioska ($14.50).
In sporadic spurts between our gluttonous eating and drinking, we try to finish off the Jungle Juice. The attempt doesn’t go well, but I refuse to leave the bar with a half finished jug of alcohol on the table. We eventually stumble out of Bungabar, reluctantly leaving the undrunk Jungle Juice behind. But as bloated and tipsy as I feel, I’m glad we lined our stomachs with tapas and nachos because we’re now on our way to our second round of drinks at a beer festival – which thankfully is serving more than just VB.

Address: 77 Hall Street, Bondi NSW
Phone: 02 9300 6766
Web: www.bungabar.com.au

Photo by Andy Vermeulen