After a sensational year-long wait, Terrigal Pavilion has finally opened its doors. Does this new Central Coast bar live up to its hype?

It was concealed behind a tall barricade for almost a year. As a local, I would regularly walk past and try to get a glimpse of what was slated to be the Central Coast’s hottest new bar. Word spread that it was the clever and cool folk behind Burleigh Pavilion on the Gold Coast, The Joey at Sydney’s Palm Beach and Mrs Sippy in Bali – hospitality duo Ben May and Rob Domjen – who had taken the reins. Terrigal Pavilion was the talk of the town.

The location

Finally, in November, the scaffolding came down. The Pav – as it has quickly been coined – is simple and pared back. The two-storey white weatherboard building doesn’t detract from the beauty of its location, which is undoubtedly its biggest drawcard.

Perched on The Haven – a small beach adjacent to Terrigal, encircled by rocky headlands and parkland – The Pav has dreamy views. A handful of boats gently sway in the sparkling water and locals relax, swim and fish on the beach below. To the left, waves break against Terrigal Boardwalk. Taking advantage of this outlook, The Pavilion has an undercover verandah and alfresco deck on the upper floor, strung with festoon lights and white umbrellas. And downstairs, The Tropic (a Mediterranean restaurant, opening in December) has floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors to let in the sea breeze.

The first look

We arrive on a Saturday afternoon and are warmly welcomed at the door and directed up the terrazzo stairs. Inside The Pavilion, we are greeted by more staff who help us find a table – it feels professional but completely approachable. The space is bright, open and airy, with a high ceiling of exposed beams, plenty of seating, a huge brick pizza oven and two bars, one inside and one out. During our lunch, we don’t experience any queues, and with ample staff, service is efficient. Our water jug is quickly replenished and we are checked on – but not too frequently that it’s imposing.

The Pav offers a casual bar menu – the likes of freshly shucked oysters, salads, nachos and woodfired pizzas. We share the guacamole with corn chips and pico de gallo, followed by huge juicy prawns, and I have a Benny’s Avo Salad with grilled chicken. The dishes are simple but tasty and filling.

There’s a great beverage list, and low and no-alcohol options. Server Freddy doesn’t miss a beat: he introduces himself, has a friendly chat and helps us with our cocktail choices. We start with a Tropic Margarita (tequila, bergamot, kaffir lime and oleo sacrum). Mixologist and bar supervisor Drew says the oleo sacrum (lemon syrup) is made in-house using lemon peel that’s left over from seafood dish prep, with an aim to reduce waste where they can. It’s refreshing with a floral essence and the perfect starter. Later, the Iced Espresso Martini is too easy on the palate.

The Pavilion feels casual and relaxed, like a good beachside pub/bistro should, and the reasonable prices reflect this too. It’s still very on trend, though. There’s a mixed crowd of people walking in from a day at the beach, with a few families, but many are dressed up for the occasion. Come late afternoon on weekends, the good-time crowd rolls in with live DJs playing under a shiny disco ball.

Outside, The General Store serves (very good) coffee, smoothies and easy takeaway food – such as acai, bacon and egg rolls and fish and chips. With the beach, oval and parklands steps away, it’s perfect for an easy, breezy feed with the family.

The verdict

Every element of The Pav has been carefully considered, from its beautiful coastal aesthetics to its food and drink offerings. The excellent service was my biggest takeaway. Overall, The Pav feels casual but cool, like a Central Coast venue should. Summer is looking good.

The details

Location: First Floor/2 Scenic Hwy, Terrigal NSW 2260

Opening hours: The Pavilion is open Monday – Friday: 12pm – late and Saturday – Sunday: 11am – late; The Tropic is open Wednesday to Sunday: 11:30am – late; and The General Store is open every day: 6am – 8pm.

Accessibility: There is ramp access into the venue from the bottom entrance and lift access from the main access doors via the car park.

Website: Terrigal Pavilion