By Clyde Mooney
After 18 mournful months, Manly's old girl of the Corso re-opened Thursday night to a fanfare of celebrations by locals and guests.
Australian Leisure & Hospitality (ALH) proudly unveiled a massively overhauled, virtually new New Brighton Hotel, featuring four beachside-themed levels that include an outdoor space, water views and a rooftop bar.
The new operation will boast live entertainment seven nights a week, with the first night playing host to The Aston Shuffle, Fear of Dawn, Steve Frank, DJ Troy T and DJ Craig B.
The famous Shark Bar is back for dancing the night away, and the new cocktail bar on level one, 33°, serves up cocktails and tapas on a sun-drenched balcony overlooking the Corso and Pacific ocean.
"[This] was a fantastic way to kick off summer on the Northern Beaches in style, and set up for a welcome new era of entertainment, dining and hospitality in Manly," said licensee, Andrew Lancaster.
"It's always great to see familiar faces returning; they have been gushing over the beachside style of the new spaces and are relieved to have their hotel back – I couldn't believe how many told us they 'missed' the Brighton during her rebuild."