The Newcastle local was acquired by hotelier Glenn Piper in May 2022, and is set to open the first part of its redevelopment in the next few months.
The first stage will see the opening of Larrie’s, a hole-in-the-wall beach kiosk taking influence from the milk bars of the ’70s and ’80s.
It’ll be a family-friendly food offering, featuring Australian takeaway classics with a modern, coastal twist.
The second part of the redevelopment is set to open in late 2023, and includes an expansive ground-floor main bar and a coastal dining menu on the upper floor.
For the redevelopment of “The Beaches” as it is referred to by Newcastle locals, Piper has teamed up with EJE Interiors with the plan to create a venue alluding to the classic takeaway and bottle shops of coastal Australia.
“The community has been gathering at The Beaches for generations, so taking on the custodianship of this landmark is a tremendous honour,” says Piper.
“More than just its Art Deco architecture and iconic views, we want it to be a homage to the medley of cultures that have shaped this storied place – the friends and the family, the surf and the city, the nostalgic and the modern all under one roof where everyone is welcome”.
The Merewether Hotel will join Piper’s portfolio that includes Freshwater’s Harbord Hotel and Manly’s Q Station.
Larrie’s is set to open in the next few months at The Merewether Hotel, with more information to be announced.