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There’s a new place to grab a coffee after yoga, settle in for a seaside lunch with the family or knock off for sunset drinks. And while it may be a fresh face on the scene, the name will be very familiar to locals.
Brighton’s Esplanade Hotel, better known simply as the Espy, has reopened after almost a year of renovations, revealing the results of a huge $11.5 million redevelopment.
Sitting in prime position directly opposite the Brighton Beach jetty, the much-loved local has been part of the community for over a century and has now undergone its biggest overhaul in 17 years.
“We are lucky enough to have views that money can’t buy right on our doorstep,” ALH State Manager Sarah Evans said.
At the heart of the new-look hotel is the Cru Room, a lively main bistro and bar. For something a little slower, the new Après Lounge brings a softer, calmer feel, made for relaxed drinks and long catch-ups.
Then there’s the Pier Bar, where the beachfront location really comes into its own. The alfresco space looks straight across to the water, with cocktails, spritzes and casual dining on offer as the sun sets over Brighton Beach.
“What excites us is that new generations of people are going to come to the Espy and create memories.”
Live entertainment will also lift the energy towards the end of the week, running from Thursday through to Sunday and ranging from vinyl DJs to local bands.
In the kitchen, UK chef Daniel Johnston is leading a menu that takes its cues from the coast, with a new focus on local seafood.
“Still with plenty of approachable dishes that you would expect to see in any pub … parmies, schnitzels steaks, burgers and pizzas.”
A nightcap at the Esplanade Hotel is not just a great idea, it’s also the name of the hotel’s brand-new accommodation offering. Nightcap at Esplanade Hotel features 26 rooms, including two suites overlooking the beach, with smart TVs, room service and everything needed for stays ranging from business trips to seaside staycations.
It’s a significant change for a venue that has long been part of Brighton’s local community and culture, but the redevelopment hasn’t tried to turn the Espy into something completely unfamiliar.
The new look leans further into its role as the suburb’s seaside local, with spaces that move easily from coffee and casual daytime catch-ups through to dinner and drinks. And after only just opening, Sarah said locals were already embracing the change.
“There’s a lot of ‘wow’ and ‘this is beautiful.’”
“We’re quite biased … but it’s good to have that affirmed by the people we’ve actually done this redevelopment for.”
On opening morning alone, the team made somewhere in the region of 300 coffees.
So whether it’s a post-beach coffee, Sunday lunch with the family or a quick drink after work, the Espy is once again part of Brighton’s everyday routine, it just looks very different to the last time you walked through the doors.
Esplanade Hotel
Where: 135 Esplanade, Brighton
When: Open now
For more info visit the Esplanade Hotel website.
