By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
Dee Why, the sun-soaked Northern Beaches suburb synonymous with surfers, sandcastles and salty sea breezes, is riding another swell. Anchored in this beachside haven, the Dee Why Hotel has caught a delicious wave of change with a $3 million retro revamp.
With fresh eats, elevated cocktails and spaces that feel like a seaside breeze, this iconic pub is ready to make a splash, just in time for Summer.
Independently run by the Bayfield family since 1977, the Dee Why Hotel has always been more than a pub - it’s a community hub. The renovation brings three brand-new spaces to the forefront: Mr B’s, Jade’s and a transformed main bar, each offering its own flavour of fun.
Mr B’s, a nod to the original 90s sports bar, is now home to the Northern Beaches’ largest TV wall - measuring a mammoth 10 metres! Whether you’re perched on a luxe raised booth or catching the action from a high table, every point, goal or try feels like you’re front row at the big game.
Retro geometric patterns, curated sports memorabilia and 70s-inspired prints tie the space back to its roots, proving that style and sports can go hand in hand without missing a beat.
Meanwhile, Jade’s, named after the Bayfield family’s first grandchild, is a greenhouse-inspired bistro that’s as lush as its coastal surroundings. By day, it’s a sun-drenched spot for long lunches and weekend brunches; by night, it transforms into an intimate private event space behind custom steel-framed sliding doors.
The palette of turmeric mustard, eucalyptus green, pink sand and natural timbers blends warmth and sophistication, creating a space where you can linger over plates as easily as you’d linger on a sunny beach towel.
In the main bar, the makeover strikes a perfect balance between retro charm and contemporary polish. Baby-blue and brown polka-dot carpets, soft pink accents, rich wood panelling and glossy terracotta tiles set the scene for long nights sipping cocktails and swapping stories. Pendent lights hang like lanterns on the shoreline while a bespoke timber and brass back bar display gives the venue a touch of classic glamour.
The juiciest news to come out of the Dee Why Hotel relaunch is the legendary burgers. Known for serving the ‘Best Burgers on Northern Beaches’ the menu continues to shine with indulgent favourites like the double smash burger and the famous trufflenator.
Other elevated kitchen classics include juicy char-grilled chicken souvlaki skewers, stone-baked pizzas made with 48-hour fermented dough and daily specials that will take you back to 1992.
The cocktails have also received a splash of reinvention. Signature sips such as the Jade’s, with Tanqueray gin, white peach, apple and mint, and The Glider Room, a heady mix of Woodford Reserve bourbon, St-Germain, honey syrup, lemon, pomegranate and Peychaud’s bitters, pair perfectly with the revamped food offering.
Each drink carries hints of nostalgia while keeping a modern twist - much like the venue itself.
The revamp is more than just aesthetics - it’s a tribute to the pub’s family legacy. Affectionate touches honour the late Neville Bayfield, original owner and patriarch of the Bayfield Hotel Group, including Nev’s Room, filled with photographs and memorabilia, Nev’s Lager brewed with 4 Pines, and a cocktail named Nev’s Negroni.
It’s a reminder that while the pub has been refreshed, its heart beats with the same community spirit that has welcomed locals for generations.
Kaine Bayfield, Chief Operating Officer and grandson of Neville Bayfield, says the goal was to offer locals an elevated pub experience while staying true to the venue’s roots.
"We’ve restored original elements and injected life and playful energy into every corner. We’ve created spaces where you can cheer on your team in Mr B’s, linger over a long lunch at Jade’s or just settle in for a great burger.”
So, whether you’re after a front-row seat to the game, a lush lunch with friends or a sunset burger by the bar, Dee Why Hotel’s $3 million makeover proves that this Northern Beaches institution is riding the waves of time in style.
It’s a refresh that’s equal parts retro glamour, beachside charm and pure indulgence - making it a must-visit whether you’re a long-time local or just washing ashore.
