Newcastle’s beloved beachside gem, The Beach Hotel, has officially reopened, after its inspired restoration. Located in the heart of Merewether and steeped in decades of sun, salt and hearty community spirit, the iconic establishment reemerges with new experiences including elevated seaside dining at Peregrin, classic coastal fare in the main pub, and Larrie’s, the retro takeaway shop which opened to local acclaim last year.
Hotelier Glenn Piper, who acquired the expansive multi-level institution in May 2022, dedicated eighteen months to meticulously restore the seaside icon, drawing inspiration from Newcastle’s unique blend of steel city grit and surf culture. The pub has proudly stood a short stroll from the shoreline for over a century.
Piper, who grew up spending his summers surfing Merewether’s coastline with his family, said of the opening, “The Beach Hotel has been more than just a pub; it has been a gathering place for friends and families across Newcastle for generations. We’re excited to once again open our doors and welcome our community to their home away from home.”
The jewel in the sandstone crown of the Beach Hotel is Peregrin, an elevated bar and grill heroing the simple, natural flavours of salt, wood, and smoke. Under the creative helm of Executive Chef Adam Rust, Peregrin’s season-led menu spotlights premium ingredients sourced from Merewether’s abundant land and ocean. These ingredients are thoughtfully prepared over a traditional charcoal grill, which serves as the heart of the expansive open kitchen in the restaurant’s cool and calm interiors.
The menu is designed for sharing with snacks to start like smoked Yumba Abalone with fennel, herbs and lemon or Peregrin’s unique rendition of the classic Bug Roll featuring Moreton Bay bug, cos, crispy onion, and chipotle mayo; followed by charcoal-fired Eastern Rock Lobster served with garlic lemon butter; whole roasted cauliflower topped with salsa verde, currants and almond dukkah; and Milly Hill lamb tomahawks with chimichurri and potato pavé. For dessert, Chef Rust tempts diners with choices such as the lemon myrtle polenta cake with lemon sorbet and pistachio or the indulgent dark chocolate fondant with candied hazelnuts, wattle seed and salted caramel.
Those looking to enjoy a quiet cocktail overlooking the waves will be also able to enjoy snacks and small plates at Peregrin’s bar. Think Port Stephens oysters with pickled cucumber, smoked mackerel toast with red onion and creme fraiche and charcoal-fried calamari with mint, garlic, lemon and tarragon.
The Beach Hotel’s main bar and pub-dining is located on the ground level with breathtaking views of Merewether beach. Here, the coastal-led menu features reimagined pub classics and flame-grilled fare inspired by backyard barbeques. Think miso glazed eggplant, lemon and oregano free-range chicken breast and Hunter Valley T-Bone steaks straight off the grill; potato scallops with vinegar sea salt; homemade sausage rolls with a kick of chipotle ketchup; and fresh Snapper ceviche with cassava chips, jalapeno, lime and coconut. The bar will be slinging a dedicated margarita menu, alongside crisp local beers and Hunter wines.
Larrie’s, the retro takeaway shop that made its debut last May, draws inspiration from iconic Aussie milk bars. Embracing the heart and soul of Australian beach culture, Larrie’s offers a modern interpretation of nostalgic beach staples and old-school classics like the chiko roll with curry mayo or the big chip butty, layered with piping hot chips and lashings of tomato sauce. Retro-style fridges are stocked with the best Aussie brews and icy colas.
Across all experiences at The Beach Hotel, local design practice, EJE Architecture, have peeled back the years to let historic treasures hidden beneath the walls breathe the salt air once again. Light and airy, the space mimics the elegant curves of seaside topography while metallic accents pay homage to Newcastle’s steel city legacy. The pub’s heritage saloon bar, dating back to the 1940s Tooth & Co era, has been revived in a modern zinc expression with original tile floors polished to show the footprints and graffiti of decades past. Vintage sun-bleached photographs, generously donated by the community and the Merewether Surfboard Club, proudly celebrate The Beach Hotel’s famed surfing heritage, creating a captivating hero’s gallery.
Piper expressed: “More than just its Art Deco architecture and iconic views, The Beaches embodies its rich history, shaped by the locals who have passionately claimed it as their own. From the hardworking Novocastrian class to the artists expressing love and dissent through music, from the playful storytellers spinning tall tales to the seekers of flow among surfers and skaters—everyone has and will always find a place here. Our restoration is a tribute to the profound influence of this vibrant community”.
The Beach Hotel will be celebrating an action-packed first summer with a line-up of epic entertainment. Celebrating local Novocastrian talent, live music will take over the stage Thursday – Sunday.
The Beach Hotel marks the newest addition to Piper’s expanding hospitality portfolio, joining the much-loved Harbord Hotel in Freshwater. Ongoing developments include the heritage-listed Manly’s Q Station, The Whitsundays Hook Island and North Sydney’s The Commodore.
