If there’s one venue that really knows how to nail a Sydney sunset, it’s Watsons Bay Hotel. Perched on the edge of the harbour with the kind of postcard-perfect views that make you fall in love with the city all over again, the historic hotel has been serving up good times by the water since 1937, and it’s just unveiled a $3 million transformation of its Top and Mid Decks.
Before we get into the renovations, it’s worth covering WBH’s core offering: casual alfresco fun with five-star Sydney views. Often dismissed by locals as something of a tourist trap, there’s a reason why this multi-level institution is on every visitor’s bucket list. There are very few places where you can watch the sun set over a world-famous harbour with a glass of Veuve in one hand, and a stacked beef burger in the other. Under the stewardship of the same Sydney family (the Laundys) for more than a decade, the team has perfected the art of harbourside fun: good drinks, good food and an easy, summery atmosphere. The renovation has levelled up the offering – adding more weatherproof dining space for those occasional days when the Sydney skies open, and cementing the venue as one of Sydney’s best event spaces.
RECOMMENDED READ: Here's our review of Watsons Bay's beach house-style hotel rooms
The revamp – led by Danielle and Shane Richardson of Laundy Hotels and the design wizards at Etic Design – has breathed fresh life into one of the most overlooked corners of the building. The Top Deck, now home to a wrap-around line of bifold windows and a breezy bar overlooking the water, flows seamlessly between inside and out – providing a new, elevated space to take in the harbour views (irrespective of the weather).
The Mid Deck has also been given a glow-up, complete with new decking, custom banquette seating and furniture designed for long, lazy lunches. Downstairs, the Sunset Room and Bar holds onto its Hamptons-inspired charm with a refined update that brings fresh flow and functionality, specially designed for events with a new entrance and private bathrooms for exclusive-use bookings.
Head Chef Damian Heads is keeping things suitably summery with a menu that reads like a love letter to Sydney’s coastal waters – chilled seafood platters and lobster rolls alongside fresh-off-the-grill favourites and elevated pub classics. There’s also a new cocktail list designed for balmy Sydney afternoons, alongside an impressive wine list and a solid range of tap beer for a schooner in the sun.
Planning a weekend outing? Watsons Bay’s beloved bottomless brunch kicks off every Saturday at midday, and it’s one of Sydney’s best.
But perhaps the biggest reason to head east this summer? The launch of Club Amalfi. Once a month, the newly revamped Top Deck will transform into a Mediterranean dreamscape – Spritzes, shared plates, and magnums of rosé beneath the Sydney sun. Inspired by the Riviera’s beach club scene (with views that could give the Amalfi Coast a run for its money), this Sunday series is one to add to your list if you’re looking for a very Sydney way to end the weekend.
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