A Year Long Birthday Bash @ Coogee Bay Hotel

Mimi Dang
4th Apr 2023

Ever been to a 150th birthday party before? Here's your chance to party like it's 1873 with year-long festivities to mark this huge occasion for the beloved Coogee Bay Hotel. 

This was kicked off with a Big Birthday Bash in the garden over the weekend with Coogee Bay Hotel's Managing Director Chris Cheung saying, "We are beyond thrilled to be celebrating 150 years of creating memories at Coogee Bay Hotel. We invite the community to reflect on decades past with our new historic museum, live music and debuting of spectacular artwork murals to kick off a milestone year for our venue."

There's plenty of time to celebrate the rich history and vibrant energy of the hotel. Phase 1 'The Legacy' will run from February to April, followed by 'Forever Young' from May to August and the final phase 'Many Happy Returns' from September to November.

A uniquely designed mural by local artist Charlie Nivison of Silly Pear Creative will feature on its outer walls, paying homage to the past, present and future of the Coogee Bay Hotel. Love what you see? You can pick up a collectable and drinkable souvenir from The Barrel bottle store on premise. Drawing on the commissioned piece by Charlie Nivison, the three art labels will be immortalised on a chardonnay or shiraz (Hunter Valley 2021) in a limited-edition art series. 

Some things you can enjoy this month include The Legacy menu which brings back the best dishes and cocktails from the last century and a half. It changes every month and for next 30 days you can tuck into a corned silverside with bread sauce and crushed potatoes accompanied by a '1940's Mai Thai' cocktail. What better way to finish the meal than a traditional Sherry Trifle with raspberry jelly. Stay tuned as the hotel will dazzle your taste buds with another selection to look forward to next month!

What may surprise patrons who have only known Coogee Bay Hotel for its restaurant and bar is that it had hosted legendary performers including Nirvana, INXS and The Killers at their live entertainment venue called Selina's. Get excited as this year marks Selina's grand reopening with an unforgettable line up throughout the year. Just think, the Foo Fighters and David Bowie walked through these doors! 

You can learn all about this institution's colourful history with its curated pop-up museum. Did you know the hotel used to be a school prior to opening its doors as a hospitality venue? Take a walk down memory lane as you sip on the best flavours of the decade like the '1920's Charlie Chaplin', a sloe gin based cocktail with apricot brandy and lime juice.

If you're wondering what that modern and stately building behind the garden is, it's their 4 star boutique hotel. Feel like a local with the beach only a stone’s throw away and stay in luxury and style. In the month of April, guests booking the 150 year package during their stay will enjoy special birthday gifts with a bottle of wine on arrival and cocktails and a delectable share plate from Marra Bar and Grill downstairs. 

The Coogee Bay Hotel has been going strong for 150 years and there's no sign of slowing down. With its recently opened Marra Bar and Grill in 2022 and the reopening of Selina's, it's only just getting started.  A birthday month is not long enough to celebrate this great institution. In your next visit, take in the history around you and the lively spirit that can only be found in a well-loved locals spot. Stay tuned on their website and socials for exciting birthday specials and events in the coming months.  

coogeebayhotel.com.au/