Introducing Carrington’s freshest hospitality digs
In the heart of Carrington, a new venue is about to reshape Newcastle’s hospitality scene – introducing The Pavilion.
The latest venture is brought to you by Chris and Steph, the duo behind Islington’s beloved Slingtown, and Newcastle couple, Matt and Jess.
A project that has been in the works for over 18 months, The Pavilion is more than just a place to eat and drink – it’s a space designed for connection, community, and a bit of fun.
The concept is simple yet ambitious. The Pavilion will serve as an all-day dining destination. Offering high-quality coffee, house-made gelato, a diverse food menu, and a curated selection of wines, beers, and cocktails. But it’s not just about what’s on the menu – it’s about the overall experience.
“We want people to come in here and have a few different reasons to stay. You can come in the morning for a coffee, the middle of the day for a long lunch, or the afternoon for a cheeky drink. There’s a space for everyone,” Chris said.
One of the most exciting elements is the gelato bar – a passion project driven by Steph. Expect a high-quality and house-made product that’s set to become a Carrington favourite.
Beyond the gelato, The Pavilion’s kitchen is being spearheaded by Head Chef Tash, whose Mauritian background will bring a unique flair to the menu. The food concept is all about accessibility, offering everything from elevated casual dining to classic grab-and-go options.
Opening for breakfast from 6.30am-11.30am, diners can get their hands on a selection of dishes that have been created with the standard Aussie brunch classics in mind, but with Tash’s signature twists. Standouts include the masala scramble featuring scrambled eggs topped with housemade chilli crisp with roti bread, fresh herbs, and chutney; and the fried upma complete with a cornucopia poached egg, lime pickle, garlic yoghurt, and fresh herbs.
“We still want people to come in and be able to get a bacon and egg roll and a coffee every day. It’s not fine dining, but it’s delicious, considered, and interesting food.”
From 12pm to 2pm, the menu extends with a few tasty lunch offerings that include the meatball sub featuring port and beef meatballs in a rich tomato sauce with pesto, pickled green pepper, rocket, and cheese on a seeded roll; the spiced fritters with dry pickled vegetables, raita, spiced apple chutney, and fresh herb salad; and the eggplant savoury mince featuring miso glazed eggplant with savoury mince, fresh herbed salad, and fermented chilli mayo. Plus, you can get your hands on shoestring fries or truffle & parmesan-topped shoestring fries.
Still not convinced? The menu also features four toastie offerings and a selection of cakes and pastries that are available from open til close (til 5pm), as well a kids' menu until 2pm.
For coffee, you can expect the same goodness that you can get your hands on from Slingtown in Islington – all roasted by Slingtown. Other drinks include a selection of tea by Newcastle-based The Tea Collective and soft drinks by StrangeLove and Capi.
The alcoholic drinks menu is equally considered, with an emphasis on local wines (Glandore Estate and Tim Ward) and independent breweries (Shout Brewing, Method Brewing, and Grainfed Brewing Company). The cocktail program is yet to be finalised but you can expect a refined yet relaxed approach, right in line with the venue’s ethos.
Beyond food and drink, The Pavilion is designed to be a space where people linger.
“There’s a beer garden out the back with lots of greenery. We’ve got chooks out there, a ping pong table, and even a basketball hoop – it’s a place for families, for mates catching up, and slow lunches that turn into long evenings.”
As for the aesthetic, The Pavilion blends industrial charm with welcoming touches. The standout features include the huge communal dining table that takes centre stage, the incredible front door, and folded steel shelves for their retail section.
Officially opening Wednesday, February 12, The Pavilion by Slingtown has already garnered much love online (and in-person).
The new digs are poised to be more than just another venue on our incredible lineup of food and drink venues, it’s set to be a community-driven space that no doubt changes with the needs of those who frequent it.
The all-day venue is currently open from Tuesday to Saturday, 6am to 5pm, and you’re invited in to gather, unwind, and stay a while. Whether you’re dropping in for a morning coffee, an after-school gelato, or long boozy lunch, the team at The Pavilion by Slingtown is eager to serve you.
