Find fantastic gourmet pubs across the Coast

There seems to be hankering for high quality, gourmet pub feeds growing across New South Wales, and nowhere can you see (or taste!) this trend more right now than the Central Coast.

From Gosford to Wyong, Toukley to Terrigal, the Peninsula to The Entrance, you’ll find a stylish range of pubs, hotels and social clubs – many recently relaunching with incredible, modern refurbishments – all coming with fresh foodie-inspired menus to match at their in-house restaurants, bistros and brasseries.

1. Seasonal changing blackboard ‘Specials’ mean there’s usually tasty surprise options to try

2. Expect modern twists on comforting pub classics (think posh dogs and parmy woodfired pizzas)

3. A fresh and local approach to ingredients often working with nearby producers with local beers on tap

4. Sharing is standard with platters a regular menu feature, making it simple for social groups

5. The ambience! If you know, you know, but there’s nothing like that cosy atmosphere of a quality restaurant in a pub

The Beachcomber Hotel & Resort, fondly referred to as ‘The Beachie’, is an iconic waterfront venue located in the northern heart of the Central Coast - Toukley. After undergoing a complete renovation in 2021, The Beachie now offers sweeping waterfront views, Hamptons-inspired ambience, and boutique-style accommodation just minutes from beaches, national park, golfing greens and the region’s historic lighthouse. But when it comes to food – The Beachie is kitted out with modern foodie eateries serving pub classics with a contemporary twist, wood-fired pizza, a rotisserie, dedicated taco section and fresh seafood. There’s even a waterfront bar to wine and dine as part of the experience – just perfect at sunset.

Looking for a midweek getaway? For overnight stays Sunday through to Thursday until 30 September 2022, The Beachie are offering up to $100 in credit to use across their restaurants and bars.

Book a table at The Beachie

After a complete refurb, this is a modern pub experience that can’t be missed on the Central Coast! Think open, roaring fire, scrumptious food, and service with a smile. As a classic part of the local Wyong community, this is one pub that will charm the heart of new guests too. Proudly family-owned and operated by Frank & Marney, who host some exceptional live events at their pub on a regular basis, the Royal Hotel’s Gourmet Bistro is a warm, inviting place to dine with love ones. With their accommodation being completely refreshed too, there’s even a lovely place to rest your head overnight.

Catch their weekly blackboard specials including $15 homemade rissoles on Tuesday nights, $15 schnitzels on Wednesdays, or their talk of the town $18 rump steak Thursdays!

Book a table at the Royal Hotel Wyong

The Entrance Hotel recently enjoyed a multi-million dollar renovation and rebrand into an exciting new space, The Entrance Social Club! Completed in June 2022 with two uniquely beautiful spaces; Taffy’s Sports Bar and Mrs May Bistro and Bar, The Entrance Social Club is a now a shiny, bright new-look local for all things social in the heart of this nostalgic seaside town. But – the dining experience – that’s why we’re here! Both bars of The Entrance Social Club pour on-tap craft beers, serve daily food specials, and whip up signature cocktails. On the menu, you can expect arancini balls, fresh seafood favourites with a spin and traditional pub classics with a mouth-watering twist. Head to Mrs May Bistro and Bar, (a statement space designed by Pony Design Co), to spend your evening in an elegant, sexy space dining on modern Australian cuisine and delicious signature cocktails. Step outside to a dog-friendly, stunning courtyard and sun-drenched deck, equipped with an Instagram-worthy backdrop of coastal umbrellas and greenery.

Head here at dusk to latch straight into the vibe this gastropub has going, or try their Taco Tuesday $30 deal, washed down with a thirst-slaking Margi.

Book a table at The Entrance Social Club

A popular haunt with both locals and visitors to The Entrance and surrounds, The Lakes is now an entirely new and restored vibrant venue that still gives a nod to its heyday. Known in the 40s as a relaxed place to escape for city slickers seeking a pub feed, now this award winning venue (AHA Awards for Excellence, winning Best  Draught Beer in 2017), offers a delicious, quality menu including sharing plates, seafood including freshly shucked oysters, salads, and classics like pork belly served fresh with Asian greens, smoked Moroccan beef brisket, and poached pear with pistachio and caramel icecream for dessert.

Catch their special $15 meal deals covering various pub classics, 7 days a week.

Book a table at The Lakes

The Sunken Monkey Hotel, (formerly The Woodport Inn) is a modern pub in the heart of the Central Coast, nestled right on the riverside at Erina. The Monkey Bar on the water’s edge is ideal for drinks and views for as long as you choose. Or their family-friendly eatery has a fresh, contemporary menu including twice cooked melt-in-your-mouth pork belly served with Asian flavours on jasmine rice, herb-crusted schnitty, Spicy Sunset handmade pizza, and seasonal desserts.

Enjoy their two for $25 weekly deals Tuesday to Thursday every week.

 Book a table at The Sunken Monkey

This pub located in the leafy hillside of Avoca is ideal all year round, with a cosy indoor lounge area and fireplace for winter, high bar for cocktails and drinks, and a large outdoor terrace under the trees in summertime. The in-house restaurant in Saltwater Bar & Bistro, serving a range of small plates such as barramundi croquettes, to pub classics such as schnitty, plus delightful dishes including vegetarian grazing plates, homemade gnocchi, lamb shoulder or lightly spiced mussels. There’s entertainment every Saturday, plus a sports bar, drive through bottle shop, take away and in-room dining options for those enjoying an overnight stay.

Book a table at Saltwater Bar & Bistro

The Skillion Brasserie within the Breakers Country Club offers you a warm, inviting venue with a brilliant menu for foodies. Serving a delicious variety of steaks, burgers, pizza, pasta alongside Modern Australian favourites, you'll also be impressed by the stunning views across the ocean as you dine. Meal specials run all week, including the Chef's roast of the day, 2 for 1 steaks and $15 fish and chips. Their vegetarian menu is also tempting with the Melanzane Parmigiana, Dhal curry, and Asian stir frys. 

Book a table at The Skillion Brasserie

Have you enjoyed the wonderful refurb of ‘The Beery’ at Terrigal yet? Since 2021, Terrigal Beach House is now a more attractive surfside destination than ever to enjoy a casual long lunch on its outdoor terrace, complete with a wonderfully simple, clean menu - expect woodfired pizzas, fresh fish tacos, seafood, cocktails and local beers on tap. Catch live music in their beachside, dog-friendly beer garden to fully embrace the atmosphere of Terrigal on a weekend, with bands playing most Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon and evenings. As the owners claim, this is the place where everyone meets for good times, and the vibe tends to agree.   

Book a table at Terrigal Beach House

With a proud local history serving the Terrigal community, Terrigal Hotel is often the social hub of the locals living in the area. This makes it a great way to embrace all those friendly Coastie vibes while also enjoying a hearty pub feed with views of the lagoon and ocean. The hotel's Lagoon Bistro upstairs is the place to be for foodies, with an airy outdoor terrace, easy access bar, and great menu items including a Winter Power Bowl, Prawn Laksa, or classic Steak & Ale Pie. Plus daily specials run all week - try the Chef's 'pasta special' on Fridays. With live entertainment Fridays through to Sundays, expect a vibrant atmosphere alongside your Parmy.

Book a table at Terrigal Hotel

The Heritage-listed Hotel Gosford is a now classic 1920s pub completely revamped on the corner of Gosford's high street. Its social bar and restaurant are stylishly reimagined with a nod to the past. Enjoy Earl's Kitchen cuisine crafted by Chef Mark Wisemen, among the contemporary dining space and the sleek, cosy-yet-open air appeal. The restaurant serves a selection of Argentinian rolls, rotisserie meats, salads, seafood and all the pub classics – but it’s the exceptional pork knuckle that so often sells out on weekends!

Book a table at Hotel Gosford

After undergoing a breathtaking transformation, this little local pub is now a stunning waterfront dining venue complete with the fancy menu to match. Whether you’re after a warming glass of Pinot or Porter by the fire in their ambient Brasserie, or a rooftop cocktail and Japanese cuisine upstairs at Frankie’s Bar, The Bayview has all epicureans covered. Their Brasserie is open 7 days a week with a range of modern Australian cuisine and traditional pub classics, succulent steaks and fresh seafood.

Specials run most days of the week, including 25% off your entire bill for members on Mondays!

Book a table at The Bayview

Visit by winding roads through Brisbane Water National Park, on foot from Pearl Beach along the bush trail, or take the Palm Beach ferry ride across the mouth of the Hawkesbury to one of the Central Coast’s best hidden pubs – The Boathouse Patonga! With some of the region’s finest waterfront views combined with a classy dining experience, this is a gastro pub enthusiasts dream. Light, white, coastal décor, fresh and simple menu, weekly specials (known as Patonga Evenings with Happy Hour), local beers on tap, and even – you won’t believe it – fire tables! Yes, during the cooler months this primarily outdoor seated venue offer top spots for couples is their fire-filled bar tables to warm the cockles, but their wine list can help with this too. The menu is colourful and fresh, featuring Wagyu Ragu, grilled Barramundi, and their popular seafood sharing platter.

The Boathouse Hotel Patonga is also offering a Winter Escape package for those who book a stay before 31 August 2022.

Book a table at The Boathouse Patonga

There’s an exciting new addition to the Central Coast’s gastronomic scene, on track to officially open its doors in the heart of Gosford CBD mid August! Hint: it involves a classy bar, a steakhouse starring Jack’s Creek dry aged cuts, juicy burgers, slow-cooked ribs, craft beers, and a choicy wine list. Head chef Brad Bates is focusing on reimagining pub classics with fresh new takes on flavour. Follow their latest socials for updates on when you can hop aboard!

 

 

 

 

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