Inspired by Aussie milk bars, The Beach Hotel’s newest addition, Larrie’s is officially open and serving up cheeky twists on those iconic beach classics right on the shores of our sunny seaside haven, Merewether.

Pairing the salty, nostalgic flavours of suburban takeaway joints with the coastal spirit of its Merewether surrounds, Larrie’s takes its name from ‘Larrikin’, one of the most endearing characteristics of the collective Australian personality.

The name pays homage to the locals who have made Merewether their own, namely the frolicsome youth surf community of the 70s and 80s.

Designed with the whole family in mind, Larrie’s is a true community hub, offering guests prime views of the beach as they share a plate of chicken-salt laden chips, bite into a contemporary fresh take on a chiko roll served with curry mayo, or are drawn to the hum of retro-style fridges filled with the best Aussie brews and icy colas as they grab a cold one to-go.

Owner, Glenn Piper – who acquired The Beach Hotel in May 2022 – is thrilled to be opening a venue where he, an avid surfer who spent numerous holidays growing up visiting relatives in Merewether himself, would love to refuel post-surf.

“It’s an honour to swing open the doors of the first venue of what’s set to be the first chapter in a new era for the Beach Hotel. The pub is a place where the community has gathered for generations, and we hope that Larrie’s provides them with a reassurance of what’s to come. A nod to the old with a touch of the new – filled with good mates, great food, cold beer, and a cracking view of the waves.”

Featuring old-school classics recreated using locally sourced produce and sustainably caught seafood, Larrie’s menu captures the spirit of Aussie beach culture.

Alongside traditional Fish & Chips, there’s also a Prawn Sandwich filled with fresh prawns, avo and sriracha mayo, Battered Pineapple Fritters dusted with cinnamon sugar, and a Big Chip Butty featuring thick-cut buttered white bread, layers of piping hot chips and lashing of tomato sauce that’s sure to be a crowd favourite.

To finish, the vintage-style Gaytime Sundae with swirls of vanilla and caramel soft serve topped with chocolate syrup and malted biscuit crumbs.

Diners can also choose from fresh menu options, perfect to cool down with after a morning in the sun, such as the Prawn and Mango Bowl – a contemporary take on the popular 70s salad combination with rice noodles and a spiced herb dressing, Crispy Fish Tacos doused in chilli, lime, and green goddess sauce, and even a Sashimi Plate with slices of Northern NSW’s best salmon, tuna, and snapper.

Matching the local produce found in Larrie’s menu, the fridges lining the venue’s back wall are equally filled with the best local tipples. Think brews from Newcastle-founded Modus, Foghorn and Steel City alongside a curated selection of wines from vineyard like Tyrrell’s Wines, Usher Tinkler, and Vinden Wine located in the nearby Hunter Valley. Passiona, creaming soda, and other non-alcoholic drinks are also available.

Designed in collaboration with local architects EJE Interiors, Larrie’s has taken cues from the Australian takeaway and bottle shops of decades past and paired them with an aesthetic that alludes to the Merewether’s history as the home of the country’s biggest surf carnival.

Custom printed tables surrounded by the timber inlay created from vintage surfboards sit on checkerboard floors. A hero’s gallery of sun-bleached images donated by the Merewether Surfboard Club, one of the nation’s oldest, adorns the walls.

Surfers are welcome to leave their board on a custom-built stand as they wait for their chips to fry, while families can buy a Larrie’s branded bucket hat or borrow a retro-style beach chair courtesy of Merewether-founded Salty Shadows to enjoy their burgers beachside.

Later this year, Larrie’s will be joined at The Beach Hotel by a revitalised main bar, as well as a new coastal dining experience on the first floor. Taking a steady approach to any refurbishments due to the significance of the venue, Piper’s vision is for The Beach Hotel to continue to be intrinsically linked to its roots with a strong community-focus and connection to surf culture, helping to support local businesses and reinvigorate the area.