By Vanessa Cavasinni, editor Australian Hotelier
Merivale has announced the details of what the first stage of the revamped The Newport will have to offer patrons early in the new year.
The first stage of The Newport will be ready to welcome pubgoers in late January 2016, with a vibe that is somewhere between "Montauk, the Hamptons and the Mediterranean" – with a Sydney Northern beaches twist.
Stage one will consist of a variety of different spaces for patrons to discover, each with its own identity. The grounds, which have been designed by landscaper Daniel Baffsky, will feature green, shady spaces filled with jacarandas, cacti, Chinese elms, plane trees and crepe myrtles.
The Newport will feature a variety of food options curated by executive chef Sebastien Lutaud – everything from burgers, fish and chips, smoked brisket, and barbecue chicken, to fresh juices, smoothies, gelato and pastries. The laid-back style of the fare is in keeping with the vibe of the hotel, its patrons and the local area.
“Being honest would have to be my main credo – simple, unpretentious produce done with love and respect,” states Lutaud.
Another food space that will be firing up in stage one is Vinnie’s Pizzeria, where Merivale’s pizza aficionado, Vincenzo Biondini, will be making simple pizzas reminiscent of his Italian home town in the open kitchen; a range of wine and cocktails will be served from the adjoining bar.
In the same vein as Coogee Pavilion, kids have not been forgotten at The Newport, with a games area that has taken influence from an old-school gymnasium. Adults will be able to join in on the fun with their kids, with a giant magnetic scrabble board, ping pong tables, and exercise bikes that can charge mobile phones.
Justin and Bettina Hemmes have been working with stylist Amanda Talbot plus Kelvin Ho and Emilie Delalande of Akin Creative to create the feel of a sprawling beach estate.
“But the best thing about Newport is that view. Looking over Pittwater is breathtaking and something you don’t get to see every day,” states Talbot.
Merivale purchased the hotel from the Bayfield Hotel Group in March for a reported $50 million.
With stage one of The Newport open to the public in late January 2016, Merivale has taken a very considered and gradual approach to the renovation of the venue. Stages two and three will be revealed at later dates in 2016.