A fire broke out at The Newport early on Tuesday morning, damaging one section of the Merivale pub.
The fire reportedly occurred in the pizza oven at the Vinnie’s Pizzeria section of the venue. The alarm was raised by a cleaner, with NSW Fire and Rescue responding and able to put the fire out in about 25 minutes.
Thankfully no one was harmed, but the Vinnie’s Pizzeria section of the Northern Beaches venue was significantly damaged.
Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry outlined the incident and the damage.
“The fire was quickly brought under control. An outdoor pizza restaurant was severely damaged by fire and smoke, it was a timber structure housing a pizza oven. It’s a separate building from the main structure which wasn’t damaged,” said Supt Dewberry.
Merivale posted a comment on The Newport’s Instagram page, thanking Fire and Rescue NSW, and noting that the rest of the venue would remain open for business as usual.
“As many Newport locals will have heard, a broke out at our Vinnie’s Pizza Pavilion early this morning, causing extensive damage,” the statement began.
“Thankfully the Pavilion was not open and no-one was injured or in danger.
“While the Pavilion itself will be temporarily closed for repairs, all other venues at The Newport, including our beautiful outdoor areas, will be open as usual.
“Our enormous thanks to the local heroes from the Northern Beaches Fire & Rescue teams who so quickly attended and doused the fire. They are superstars!
“Looking forward to seeing you soon at The Newport!”
Merivale acquired The Newport in 2015 off Bayfield Hotels, and immediately set about creating a largely outdoor, pavilion-style complex that offers a variety of food options at different sections within the pavilions. Vinnie’s Pizzeria is one offering, alongside fresh seafood, roast chicken and burgers. Its indoor eatery is the award-winning fine-dining restaurant, Bert’s.