Celebrating 150 years of one of Australia's iconic pubs

One of Australia's most famous hotels - the Coogee Bay Hotel - is celebrating 150 years in 2023 with a year-long party kicking off with a birthday bash this March in The Garden, before the re-launch of legendary live music venue Selina's. 

The festivities will showcase the venue's history while embracing plans for the future.

The celebrations will be divided into three distinct phases, The Legacy (February-April), Forever Young (May-August) and Many Happy Returns (September-November). 

A specially commissioned mural by local artist Charlie Nivison from Silly Pear will take centre stage during the celebrations. 

Coogee Bay Hotel managing director Chris Cheung says: "We are beyond thrilled to be celebrating 150 years of creating memories at Coogee Bay Hotel, starting off with our Big Birthday Bash at The Bay in March. 

"We invite the community to come reflect on decades past with our new historic museum, live music and the debut of a spectacular artwork mural to kick off a milestone year for our venue.

"Our anniversary campaign is a reflection of our past, present, and future and we couldn't be more excited to share it with our valued customers, sponsors, and the community. We look forward to continuing to provide a top-notch experience and giving back to the community that has supported us throughout the years."

The Big Birthday Bash will be held on March 26 from noon until late. 

Later in the year, the hotel will be hosting a variety of community-focused events including market days for local producers to display their wares. 

Live music fans will be excited by the re-launch of Selina's, an iconic beachside music venue in the 1980s and 90s that has hosted the likes of Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Midnight Oil and INXS. 

To stay up to date on events and activities planned throughout the year see coogeebayhotel.com.au/whats-on

New drinking den for legendary Sydney hotel

Back in the day, the Coogee Bay Hotel was best known for Selina's - a raucous live music venue that hosted dozens of legendary bands and some memorable nights.

Think of blockbuster acts like Nirvana, INXS, Cold Chisel and Midnight Oil.  

Today the hotel is lot more genteel and it this week unveiled plans for Arden Lounge, an Art Deco-style bar that will open on November 25.

The lounge will be used as both a private functions space and an intimate space for locals.

Arden Lounge is linked to the Coogee Bay Hotel Garden.

Constructed by Calida to serve 100-200 patrons, the space features a large stand-alone bar which will be stocked with local beers, curated cocktails (aren't they all nowadays?) and Australian and international wines.

Aiming for “bright, airy, modern and luxe”, Studio Isgro has decorated by blending Art-Deco style with a breezy beachy colour scheme.

The kitchen will serve lunch and dinner, including Wagyu beef burgers, fish and chips, and a share plates menu featuring different options including Sydney rock oysters and char-grilled sweetcorn ribs with Sriracha mayo.

Arden Lounge joins Marra Bar & Grill, The Garden, The Sports Bar and accommodation at Coogee Bay Boutique Hotel, which will next year celebrate 150 years.

Visit coogeebayhotel.com.au for more information.