After an extensive remix to a beachside classic, Merivale have finally unveiled their second epic Northern Beaches hub with The Collaroy. We’ve already seen what the juggernaut hospitality group are capable of with The Newport, so this long standing waterfront pub should easily go down as one of this year’s biggest openings.
Keeping the local vibe in tact, the new-look Collaroy focuses on mirroring laid-back living and close-knit community spirit, offering up several different casual dining experiences and really pushing the venue as a place for locals to spend the whole day.
Justin and Bettina Hemmes along with Kelvin Ho of Akin Creative and stylish Amanda Talbot have worked the interiors to reflect the venue’s priceless view, complementing the sweeping vista with luscious greens and blues as well as the figurative and nostalgic artwork of Australian artist Craig Parnaby which graces the menus, walls and exterior.
Executive Chef Jordan Toft has handled the beach inspired menu across both levels of the venue. Downstairs kicks off with an elaborate breakfast offering with options like banana bread with honeycomb butter and powdered sugar, bacon & egg rolls, and mortadella and buffalo mozzarella melts with fresh focaccia. As lunch rolls around it takes on a health kick with salads and bowls such as the Ocean Trout Bowl with hot smoked ocean trout, shaved Brussel sprouts, boiled egg, sprouted grains and apple cider. Dinner time brings around the wine list with bites like ham croquettes with spicy aioli, anchovy toasts with pickled shallow, and home-style dinners like lamb and eggplant moussaka or pork and fennel sausages with roasted pumpkin and green garlic.
Upstairs has an open kitchen and two different bars. Guests can expect shared seafood dishes, hearty mains like the whole 500g snapper with roasted garlic, thyme and lemon zest, and indulgent options like the Riverina rib eye with BBQ onions, cress and mustard jus. Of course, it being a pub you also have the standard burgers, snacks and salads.
Though the MVP could prove to be Vinnie’s Pizza, which has already proved a huge hit for both The Newport and Coogee Pavilion. Vincenzo Biondini’s authentic pizzas will be making their mark on The Collaroy, so go head and grab yourself one of those incredible Gamberi pizzas (San Marzano, fior di latte, prawns and fresh chilli) or the several other offerings.
Free Transport to The Collaroy from The Newport is available every Friday and Saturday night with a bus departing at 10:15pm and 11:15pm.
The Collaroy
Address: 1064 Pittwater Road, Collaroy
Contact: 02 9114 7361
Website: www.merivale.com.au
Hours: Mon-Thurs 7:30am-12am; Fri-Sat 7:30am-3am; Sun 7:30am-11pm
Image: Kopper Finch
———-
