Historic Freshwater Pub Harbord Hotel Will Reopen This Summer After a Makeover

The northern beaches will see the return of a coastal mainstay this summer when Freshwater's Harbord Hotel (fka Harbord Beach Hotel) reopens its doors. The almost century-old pub was bought by real estate investors Glenn Piper and Lachlan Cottee earlier this year — and it's finally set to welcome back locals this December, promising surf vibes aplenty.

To start, the pub will reopen its ground floor with a schmick new look. Expect a sprawling main bar, a sun-filled courtyard and a new seafood-focused restaurant. That restaurant, dubbed Balsa, will serve up a menu starring foraged coastal herbs and sustainably sourced produce. Head Chef (and Freshwater local) Adam Rust (ex-12 Micron) has created dishes with salt, wood and smoke at the forefront.

The drinks menu will follow a similar theme with margaritas, mineral-y coastal wines and crisp Australian beers on the docket. A dedicated list of non-alcoholic drops will also be on offer.

Located just steps from the beach, the venue will play into its the suburb's claim as the official birthplace of surfing in Australia. The sport was popularised in Freshwater back in 1915 by Duke Kahanamoku, a native Hawaiian who famously carved a surfboard from Aussie timber and hypnotised crowds at the beach.

Jasper Avenue

Designed by architects Alexander & Co, the fit-out will include a mural by Sydney artist Ash Holmes and a new "sun-bleached" exterior. The refurb will also unveil sections of the pub that have been covered for decades. And patrons will be encouraged to rock up straight from the ocean, with the venue offering a spot to leave surfboards while you wine and dine.

Live music will be a major focus her too, with a full calendar of free events showcasing local northern beaches talent. Down the track, the team will also open a cafe and boutique accommodation in the space.

Harbord Hotel will open this December at 29 Moore Road, Freshwater.

Images: Jasper Avenue Photography