By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
Watsons Bay Hotel, the harbour-hugging establishment adored by both local Sydneysiders and out-of-town tourists alike, has unveiled a $3 million reinvention of its Top and Mid Decks, giving guests new reasons to linger over sips, seafood platters and those spectacular postcard-perfect views.
Guided by Danielle and Shane Richardson of Laundy Hotels (daughter of famed publican Arthur Laundy and her husband), with Etic Design bringing the vision to life, the overhaul blends sophistication with seaside charm.
"The Doyle family started here in 1885,” Shane told guests at the recent relaunch. "So, this history stems back well over a hundred years. They started serving seafood and beverages to Sydneysiders and it soon became an institution for people to visit on the weekend. For more than a hundred years, this little corner of the hub has been part of Sydney's story. A place where people came for the views, they savoured the food and they vowed that they'd keep coming back.
"Then in 2012, a new chapter began when the Laundy family took the helm. With deep roots in the hospitality industry and a genuine love for great spaces, the old beauty breathed a new life.”
Now, more than a decade after first taking the helm, Watsons Bay Hotel - the Laundy version - has again re-confirmed itself as Sydney’s ultimate harbourfront destination, with the sequel delivering a glow-up-strong destination with a collective capacity to host up to 510 seated or 820 cocktail guests across all spaces.
The Top Deck, long a favourite for sundowners and celebrations, now boasts wrap-around bifold windows that merge indoor and outdoor spaces, a sleek dry bar lined with high stools and thoughtful touches that make hosting weddings or events effortless.
Below, the Mid Deck has been transformed into a snug yet stylish hideaway, accommodating 60 seated guests on new banquette seating and curated furniture that encourages you to stay a while.
Across both decks, soft coastal blues, deep harbour tones and warm neutrals frame the water beyond, while oversized pendent lights add sculptural interest by day and a golden glow by night. Textures of rattan, micro-cement and a crazy paving bar top add depth without distracting from the views.
The Sunset Room & Bar, perched mid-level, has also been refreshed. Breezy Hamptons-style charm meets improved flow and functionality, making it perfect for everything from casual lunches to large-scale celebrations. Every corner feels considered, welcoming and effortlessly stylish.
Of course, no Summer at Watsons Bay Hotel is complete without food and drink. Head Chef Damian Heads has rolled out a seasonal menu inspired by Sydney’s coastline, from signature chilled seafood platters to grilled fresh favourites and classic pub dishes. Warm weather cocktails, curated wines and Sydney’s best beers on tap pair perfectly with the harbour views, while the ever-popular Bottomless Brunch continues each Saturday from 12 pm.
This season also launches Club Amalfi, Sydney’s first authentic waterfront beach club experience. Once a month, the Top Deck transforms into a Mediterranean paradise, evoking the Amalfi Coast or South of France with uninterrupted harbour views, shared plates of European-inspired food and magnums of premium wine. It’s an experience made for long, leisurely Sunday afternoons, serviette-swirl celebrations and pure Summer joy.
"We’ve opened a new page of the story, unveiling this beautiful and pre-invigorated top deck,” Shane says. "It's a space that captures everything people love about this area. The sunshine, the sea breeze and the gorgeous view of probably the best harbour, best city in the world.
"We're celebrating not just a renovation, but a continuation of a great Australian hospitality story. One that began in 1885 and still shines very bright today in 2025.”
Photo credit: Michael Gribbin.
