Dee Why Hotel

Overview

A Northern Beaches institution since the late 1970s, Dee Why Hotel has unveiled a $3-million makeover, complete with three distinct new spaces and a bold retro-glam look.

At the heart of the upgrade is Mr B's, a schmick new sports bar anchored by a ten-metre TV wall, believed to be the largest on the Beaches. Named for the venue's original sports bar from the 90s, the expansive space is fitted with raised booths, high tables and curated sporting memorabilia, setting the perfect scene for match day.

Trent van der Jagt

Jade's, a lush, greenhouse-inspired bistro, shifts the mood with earthy tones of eucalyptus green, turmeric, pink sand and natural timber. By day, it's a breezy spot for long lunches; by night, an elegant private event space separated from the rest of the venue by custom steel-framed sliding doors.

The expansive front bar has also scored a smart new fitout that combines contemporary elements with playful retro touches — expect baby-blue and brown polka-dot carpets, glossy terracotta and chocolate-hued tiles and rich wood panelling, as well as a bespoke timber and brass back bar and striking pendant lights overhead.

Trent van der Jagt

The food and drinks menu has also been refreshed. The pub's legendary burgers — like The Famous Trufflenator, with two smash patties, truffle mayo, truffled provolone, truffled maple syrup, bacon, American cheddar and onion rings — remain, and are joined by chargrilled skewers, stone-baked pizzas, elevated pub classics and daily specials like a $28 Sunday roast.

Cocktails also lean into nostalgia, with summer-ready signatures like the Mango Weis, featuring Smirnoff vodka, peach schnapps, coconut and mango, and The Glider Room, a mix of Woodford Reserve bourbon, St Germain, honey syrup, lemon, pomegranate and Peychaud's bitters. The list is complemented by a tight edit of mostly Australian wines and beers, including Nev's Lager, brewed by Brookvale's 4 Pines and named for the pub's original owner, Neville Bayfield. Drink specials sweeten the deal, with $12 margaritas on Thursdays and $12 cocktails every Friday and Saturday.

Nearly five decades since it opened, Dee Why Hotel remains independently owned and operated by the Bayfield family. This is a rare feat in Sydney's pub scene — and a big part of what keeps the venue's community spirit alive in a rapidly changing suburb, which now has the headline local it deserves.

Trent van der Jagt

Top images: Trent van der Jagt.