Peregrin, A Coastal Dining Experience Perched Atop Merewether’s The Beach Hotel, Is Open Friday
The final jewel in the sandstone crown of The Beach Hotel, a landmark of Newcastle’s Merewether which recently reopened its historic doors, Peregrin will be opening on Friday 9 February, 2024. A coastal dining experience with a nod to the past and the present, Peregrin combines laidback luxury with the simple, natural flavours of salt, wood and smoke to create an elevated bar and grill offering that celebrates the best of the beachside haven’s soulful surroundings.
In a homage to the sentimentality of the past that has been ingrained in every aspect of the recent refurbishment of The Beach Hotel, Peregrin takes its name from the Latin word for ‘traveller’ and honours a time when The Beach Hotel was the final stop on the Merewether Beach tram line. An ode to the historic meeting point between coastline and community, Peregrin celebrates the melting pot of produce and peoples that have converged on the iconic seaside suburb, and turns every occasion into an opportunity for a feast — from a special event to a spontaneous gathering.
“Just like The Beach Hotel below it, the restaurant has been created with connections to the community’s history plus a healthy dose of surf and sand to be a place that feels familiar and fun while offering a fresh take on some of our country’s best produce,” says Glenn Piper, owner of The Beach Hotel.
Championing the remarkable bounty of Merewether’s backyard, Executive Chef, Adam Rust has created a season-led menu centred around premium ingredients found on the land and in the oceans simply cooked over a traditional charcoal grill that acts the heart of the vast open kitchen.
To start, there’s Smoked Yumba Abalone with fennel, herbs and lemon, Wagyu Croquettes with beetroot relish and wasabi leaf and Peregrin’s take on a classic Bug Roll filled with Moreton Bay bug, cos, crispy onion and chipotle mayo. For mains, guests can choose from charcoal-fired Eastern Rock Lobster served with a moreish garlic lemon butter, Whole Roasted Cauliflower topped with salsa verde, currants and almond dukkah and Milly Hill lamb tomahawks with chimichurri and potato pavé alongside an uncompromising steak offering which has been curated with local producers and providores like Murranji and Little Joe’s at the helm. To finish, Rust invites diners to indulge in a delightful Lemon Myrtle Polenta Cake with lemon sorbet and pistachio or a Dark Chocolate Fondant with candied hazelnuts, wattle seed and salted caramel.
“Unfussy and relaxed, Peregrin’s menu has been designed to let the incredible natural flavours of the best local produce we could find shine through. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite after a beach day or spending a breezy evening out with loved ones, we wanted to offer something that gives you a distinct taste of the nature, history and coastline of Merewether,” says Rust.
Those looking to enjoy a quiet cocktail overlooking the waves will be also able to enjoy an array of snacks and small plates at Peregrin’s bar. Think Port Stephens Oysters with pickled cucumber, Smoked Mackerel Toast with red onion and creme fraiche and Charcoal-Fried Calamari with mint, garlic, lemon and tarragon.
The drinks list has also been curated with a coastal sensibility to befit Peregrin’s seaside setting heroing bespoke native Australian ingredients. Signature cocktails include Royal Beach Club – EARP Just Juniper Gin, St Germain, Lillet Blanc, prosecco, cucumber and lemon myrtle – and for a sweeter palette, Bees & Honey – Absolut Vanilla, Triple Sec, Zubrowka, honey, apple, passionfruit and lemon. A bespoke wine list has also been curated with a focus on local Hunter Valley region vineyards.
Local design practice, EJE Architecture have designed Peregrin’s space to evoke the simpler days of mid-century Newcastle, when we built with nails and hammers, and the salty breeze could be felt through the hollow walls and timber cladding. In a nod to Newcastle’s history, the side stairway displays key moments in time from people, community, travellers and immigrants that have forged its identity. A classic space with simple forms and detailing; the elegance and warmth of natural timber and the saloon-like bar reflect the ever changing landscape and wild ocean at Peregrin’s doorstep. The neutral finishes of the private dining room and stoic curvaceous forms of the art deco walls hug the celebrations going on inside. The deep, rich colour palette contrasts the sun bleached daylight, providing a warm, moody space in the evening.
The perfect destination to drop in for a quiet cocktail overlooking the waves or indulge the day away, Peregrin at The Beach Hotel is now open for bookings.
