Terrigal Pavilion is a beachside restaurant, bar and cafe in one

After a sensational year-long wait, Terrigal Pavilion has finally opened its doors. Does this new Central Coast bar live up to its hype?

It was concealed behind a tall barricade for almost a year. As a local, I would regularly walk past and try to get a glimpse of what was slated to be the Central Coast’s hottest new bar. Word spread that it was the clever and cool folk behind Burleigh Pavilion on the Gold Coast, The Joey at Sydney’s Palm Beach and Mrs Sippy in Bali – hospitality duo Ben May and Rob Domjen – who had taken the reins. Terrigal Pavilion was the talk of the town.

The location

The scaffolding has been removed, revealing a stylish two-storey weatherboard dining destination. (Image: Kitti Gould)

Finally, in November, the scaffolding came down. The Pav – as it has quickly been coined – is simple and pared back. The two-storey white weatherboard building doesn’t detract from the beauty of its location, which is undoubtedly its biggest drawcard.

Terrigal Boardwalk from Terrigal Pavilion deck — Terrigal Boardwalk can be seen to the left. (Image: Kitti Gould)

Perched on The Haven – a small beach adjacent to Terrigal, encircled by rocky headlands and parkland – The Pav has dreamy views. A handful of boats gently sway in the sparkling water and locals relax, swim and fish on the beach below. To the left, waves break against Terrigal Boardwalk.

Views of Terrigal Beach from Terrigal Pavilion at the Haven — Unbeatable beachside views of The Haven and Terrigal Beach. (Image: Kitti Gould)

Taking advantage of this outlook, The Pavilion has an undercover verandah and alfresco deck on the upper floor, strung with festoon lights and white umbrellas.

dining with sea views at Terrigal Pavilion — The view alone is unmissable. (Image: Megann Evans Photography)

And downstairs, The Tropic (a Mediterranean restaurant, opening in December) has floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors to let in the sea breeze.

The first look

indoor seating with sea views at Terrigal Pavilion — The Pavilion has picturesque seating with epic sea views. (Image: Megann Evans Photography)

We arrive on a Saturday afternoon and are warmly welcomed at the door and directed up the terrazzo stairs. Inside The Pavilion, we are greeted by more staff who help us find a table – it feels professional but completely approachable. The space is bright, open and airy, with a high ceiling of exposed beams, plenty of seating, a huge brick pizza oven and two bars, one inside and one out. During our lunch, we don’t experience any queues, and with ample staff, service is efficient. Our water jug is quickly replenished and we are checked on – but not too frequently that it’s imposing.

vibrant food plates at Terrigal Pavilion — Savour succulent seafood plates and plenty more.

The Pav offers a casual bar menu – the likes of freshly shucked oysters, salads, nachos and woodfired pizzas. We share the guacamole with corn chips and pico de gallo, followed by huge juicy prawns, and I have a Benny’s Avo Salad with grilled chicken. The dishes are simple but tasty and filling.

Drinks on the deck at Terrigal Pavilion at the Haven — Summer spritzes and non-alcoholic beverages flow at the rooftop bar. (Image: Kitti Gould)

There’s a great beverage list, and low and no-alcohol options. Server Freddy doesn’t miss a beat: he introduces himself, has a friendly chat and helps us with our cocktail choices. We start with a Tropic Margarita (tequila, bergamot, kaffir lime and oleo sacrum).

pouring sparkling rosé into a glass at Terrigal Pavilion — Think refined dining accompanied by the signature rosé.

Mixologist and bar supervisor Drew says the oleo sacrum (lemon syrup) is made in-house using lemon peel that’s left over from seafood dish prep, with an aim to reduce waste where they can. It’s refreshing with a floral essence and the perfect starter. Later, the Iced Espresso Martini is too easy on the palate.

view of boats from The Pavilion restaurant — The vibes are relaxed. (Image: Megann Evans Photography)

The Pavilion feels casual and relaxed, like a good beachside pub/bistro should, and the reasonable prices reflect this too. It’s still very on trend, though. There’s a mixed crowd of people walking in from a day at the beach, with a few families, but many are dressed up for the occasion. Come late afternoon on weekends, the good-time crowd rolls in with live DJs playing under a shiny disco ball.

Outside, The General Store serves (very good) coffee, smoothies and easy takeaway food – such as acai, bacon and egg rolls and fish and chips. With the beach, oval and parklands steps away, it’s perfect for an easy, breezy feed with the family.

The verdict

Views of the Haven from the deck at Terrigal Pavilion — The Terrigal Pavilion lives up to expectations. (Image: Kitti Gould)

Every element of The Pav has been carefully considered, from its beautiful coastal aesthetics to its food and drink offerings. The excellent service was my biggest takeaway. Overall, The Pav feels casual but cool, like a Central Coast venue should. Summer is looking good.

The details

Location: First Floor/2 Scenic Hwy, Terrigal NSW 2260

Opening hours: The Pavilion is open Monday – Friday: 12pm – late and Saturday – Sunday: 11am – late; The Tropic is open Wednesday to Sunday: 11:30am – late; and The General Store is open every day: 6am – 8pm.

Accessibility: There is ramp access into the venue from the bottom entrance and lift access from the main access doors via the car park.

Website: Terrigal Pavilion

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

NSW gets its own version of iconic Burleigh Pavilion. Does it deliver?