The Beach Hotel, an homage to the characters of Newcastle’s beachside haven of Merewether, reopened its historic doors on Friday 22 December.

Following a renovation honouring Merewether’s decades of sun, salt, and hearty community spirit, the beloved pub is welcoming locals back with a revitalised main bar, sun-soaked terrace, and a new coastal dining experience, Peregrin.

Hotelier Glenn Piper acquired the expansive multi-level institution in May 2022 and has spent the last eighteen months meticulously restoring the seaside icon, looking to Newcastle’s history as a place where steel city meets surf culture to inspire its future.

For the first stage of the new makeover, we saw Larrie’s open earlier this year. The retro takeaway, inspired by classic Australian fish and chip shops, nods to the past whilst adding a contemporary edge. Now, The Beach Hotel’s main bar and upstairs restaurant will follow suit, creating a timeless space that feels familiar, yet fresh.

“The Beach Hotel has always been so much more than a pub, it has been a gathering place for friends and families across Newcastle and the surrounding areas for generations, so it’s wonderful to be throwing open the doors to our community and inviting them to, once again, make it their home away from home.

“With each venue at The Beach Hotel, the team and I have paid homage to the rich and storied history of Merewether. Larrie’s harks back to the local fish and chip shops of our youth. Photographs, furnishings, and even bricks collected from The Beach Hotel’s many eras have been given a fresh coat of paint and sit pride of place in the main bar. And finally, Peregrin, our top floor dining venue, will play up the eclectic, diverse produce, and people that have converged on this unique location throughout the decades,” Glenn Piper said.

Local design practice, EJE Architecture, have peeled back the years of The Beach Hotel’s main bar. The light and airy space mimics the curves of seaside topography while incorporating metal touches, nodding to Newcastle’s steel city legacy.

A heritage saloon bar from the pub’s 1940s Tooth & Co era has been brought back to life in a modern zinc expression, original tile floors have been polished to show the footprints and graffiti of decades past, original ceramics on the walls have been given a facelift and vintage photographs show off The Beach Hotel’s Art Deco surfing heritage.

Executive Chef Adam Rust has similarly merged the old with the new in a menu of reimagined pub classics – think potato scallops, homemade sausage rolls, fresh snapper ceviche, and salmon crudo.

Diners can also choose from fresh takes on pub classics like a deluxe beef burger, The Beach Hotel’s signature Beach Basket, plus a range of wood-fired pizzas, and a selection of Jack’s Creek steaks.

The drinks lists sees Merewether’s laidback beach philosophy taken to the next level. Signature cocktails like the Sea Swell and Lychee Longboard take inspiration from the pub’s ocean surrounds, alongside a dedicated margarita menu, crisp local beers, and Hunter Valley wines.

Peregrin, which will officially open in early January, takes its name from the Latin word for ‘traveller’ and honours a time when The Beach Hotel was the final stop on the Merewether Beach tram line.

Peregrin’s menu shines a spotlight on local produce sourced from the abundant Hunter Region. A traditional charcoal grill acts as the centrepiece of the vast open kitchen, while a sprawling terrace offers breathtaking ocean views, creating a space where every occasion is an opportunity for a feast – from a special event to a spontaneous gathering. Watch this space for more information on Peregrin’s launch!