Bon Pavilion Is the Central Coast's Massive New Restaurant, Bar and Cellar Door
The Gosford hospitality precinct is a collaboration between Australian entrepreneur John Singleton and celebrity executive chef Sean Connolly.
The Central Coast has just gained a massive new hospitality precinct thanks to Australian entrepreneur extraordinaire John Singleton. He's done much to develop the high-end hospitality scene on the Central Coast, with his ventures include the award-winning Pretty Beach House and Bells at Killcare Boutique Hotel.
But the latest spot to receive the Singleton treatment is Gosford's 14-storey Bonython Tower, a luxury waterfront mixed-use building at Point Frederick. Singleton has transformed the building into a six-in-one venue, The Bon Pavilion — and it opens today, Friday, April 12.
Longtime hospitality partners Brian and Karina Barry (Pokolbin Hunter Valley Resort) are in on the action, having also joined Singleton on Bells at Killcare, Pretty Beach House and the Bluetongue Brewery. In the kitchen is celebrity executive chef Sean Connolly, who is best known locally as the man behind The Morrison Bar and Oyster Room, but also operates highly lauded venues in Byron Bay, Auckland, Adelaide and Dubai. Connolly is all about ethically sourced produce and simple food done well, which will of course be on display across Bon Pavilion's many offerings.
And we mean many. The enormous pavilion is split between six 'zones', each with a distinct offering. First up there's Bonfire, the venue's main dining room, which is open for lunch and dinner. Think freshly shucked oysters, seasonal fish and premium cuts of steak, plus an extensive wine list with a strong focus on Hunter Valley drops.
For even more wine, head to the Bon Vin cellar door, which offers up premium wines from around the globe — including Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy, Spain and South America — with bottles ranging from $38 to a whopping $750. Then there's Bon Bar, open from midday until midnight, and slinging Australian and international craft beer on tap, a wide range of spirits and seasonal cocktails, plus late-night bar snacks. The public bar will be a more casual affair, open each day as well.
For more casual fare, Bon Bon Espresso offers breakfast and lunch, along with a selection signature cocktails and house wines — a clear theme across the board. There's also separate private dining and function rooms for booking.
Speaking of a many hats, Connolly is also the space's creative director and is also responsible for the fit-out, alongside design practice Alexander & Co. The impressive interior features a palette of burnt orange and sea greens, and diners will be joined by a huge mural by Lisa King of Biripi Nation woman Elsie Stuart. Worth a trip up the coast this weekend — especially as it's only an hour and a half away, both in the car or on the train.
The Bon Pavilion is now open at 159 Mann Street, Gosford. The espresso bar will open from 6.30am daily, and the other venues will open from midday.
Images: Jacs Powell Photography.
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