The restored Beach Hotel at Merewether Beach is a portal to Newcastle's rich and energetic surfing history. Recently reopened, the landmark venue blends the character of its original 1886 architecture with a contemporary interior designed by EJE Architecture, known for their expertise in heritage hospitality and commercial spaces.
Their design vision aligned seamlessly with The Baresque Group’s custom capabilities and product range. We’re proud to have helped bring this local icon to life with solutions that reflect the spirit of Australian design.
The Beach Hotel has since been recognised for its outstanding design—shortlisted in the Australian Design Review’s IDEA2024 Hospitality category, and set to appear in Season 7 of Australia by Design—a true celebration of its community relevance and design excellence.
The interior of The Beach Hotel embraces a simple, yet impactful design approach. Every detail whispers of the 70’s and 80’s surfing craze that shaped Newcastle's soul, evoking a deep connection to the local culture that permeates the space. The Public Bar, for example, combines panoramic views of Merewether Beach with a vibrant blend of classic and modern touches. A custom digital print wallcovering explodes with retro waves, creating a perfect backdrop for family-friendly dining and game areas.
But this space is more than just a visual statement—it’s built to perform. As a bustling weekend hub with a vibrant live music scene, the Beach Hotel needed an acoustic solution that could meet the dynamic demands of both a sports bar and DJ stage, without compromising on design integrity.
That's where Zintra Acoustic 12mm panels came in. Installed overhead in a warm bark tone, the panels not only complement the venue’s retro-inspired palette, but also effectively manage sound reverberation within the active zones—while helping preserve clear conversation in surrounding areas throughout the Hotel.
Chosen for its combination of performance and practicality, Zintra offered a broad range of colour choices, easy on-site installation, Group 1 fire rating, and sustainable credentials—making it the perfect solution for this evolving, multi-functional coastal venue.
In the interior bar and dining space, curved banquettes, echoing the rhythm of the waves, line the space. Custom designed and crafted by botton+gardiner (The Baresque Group), these lightweight seating solutions offer the ultimate in flexible seating arrangements. Upholstered in a selection of muted, retro-inspired performance vinyls (Club in Ochre, and Yosemite in Bonfire) and accented with contrasting powdercoat finishes, they add a touch of comfort and undeniable, classic style.
The Beach Hotel also boasts an enviable outdoor dining space, complete with panoramic views and a touch of retro flair. Sunbrella's "Brannon" fabric umbrellas and awnings provide much-needed shade, with their woven design featuring a perfect pinstripe that complements the overall aesthetic. Engineered for durability, this fabric is designed to withstand the harsh Australian sun and salty air, ensuring endless enjoyment for patrons.
