Justin Hemmes' Latest Creation Opens North Of Sydney This Month

Beachside dining.

Justin Hemmes' Latest Creation Opens North Of Sydney This Month

Merivale will launch its new Northern Beaches pub this month, when local favourite, The Collaroy, reopens its doors under new management.

With panoramic views of the ocean and sand literally at its doorstep, The Collaroy will be the place to watch winter-swells wrap around Long Reef headland, coming to a halt (hopefully) before reaching Collaroy beach.

According to their media release;

“The Collaroy celebrates everything the area is renowned for – sun-loving days, laid-back living and close-knit community spirit. Relaxed and fuss-free, it is offers a variety of casual dining experiences for locals to meet, eat and grab a drink at the ocean’s edge, a place where they can pop in after a swim and stay the whole day.”

The Chef, Jordan Toft, has taken inspiration from the venue’s picturesque location, describing the food as “simple, yet elegant… for a community that loves the sun, surf and sand”. The end result is a “diverse beachside menu, with options suited to any occasion.”

Downstairs features an evolving menu. For breakfast, the kiosk will serve coffee, juice and home-made pastries, alongside pizza bases with fresh breakfast toppings. Health-driven bowls and plates with rustic combinations – like muesli with dried fruit, nuts, oats, coconut yoghurt and cold milk and toasted faro with avocado, boiled egg, rocket, grilled haloumi, olive oil and lemon – are served for lunch.

Then, the press release describes;

“As day turns into evening, the ground floor will offer snacks to accompany a glass of wine in hand, like freshly sliced prosciutto and grissini, ham croquettes with spicy aioli and anchovy toasts with pickled shallot. At night, it is time for generous home-style dinners that will change daily. Think lamb and eggplant moussaka on Monday, pork and fennel sausages with roasted pumpkin and green garlic on Tuesday, or a coastal take on the Sunday roast.”

Upstairs, guests will find an “open kitchen and two bars to choose from”. Here, they can taste freshly shucked oysters, local seafood, meats from the charcoal grill and vibrant salads in the restaurant, or chill with a burger from the bar menu and enjoy it with the spectacular view of Collaroy Beach.

The authentic wood-fired creations by pizza maestro Vincenzo Biondini can also be enjoyed both day and night.

The wine list focusses on fresh, crisp whites and rosés, while the drinks menu has been created by the best and brightest bartenders from The Newport, Papi Chulo and Coogee Pavilion (other bars and restaurants under the Merivale banner).

The new and improved venue is the brainchild of Merivale CEO, Justin Hemmes, and brought to life by a design team including Kelvin Ho of Akin Creative, Amanda Talbot, Justin and Bettina Hemmes.

The exact open date will be announced soon, and restaurant reservations will be taken from the 19th May via their website.

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