Restrictions force Berowra Waters owner to move into restaurant

As restaurants struggle under COVID-19 restrictions, the owner of a famed Sydney eatery has found a novel way to ease his financial burdens by moving into his riverside venue.

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The owner of an iconic Sydney eatery has torn up his apartment lease and moved his partner and son into their idyllic waterfront restaurant, unable to justify paying two lots of rent with no income amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Brian Geraghty, owner of the famed Berowra Waters Inn, said it made sense once the COVID-19 restrictions hit to quit Coogee and move into his restaurant which he leases for about $4000 a week.

“The financial aspect played a bit but if I had to spend time cooped up inside I’d rather be on the Hawkesbury.”

Brian Geraghty, with his son, Otis, 15 months, and partner Victoria Zwierzynski. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Located on the Hawkesbury River and only accessible by boat, the restaurant’s location has proved bitter sweet.

Offering takeaways to maintain an income stream was not an option, but the picturesque setting is a residential dream.

The venue was originally built as a tea house in the 1920s until “the godfather of food” Tony Bilson and his wife Gaye bought the building in the 1970s and worked with architect Glenn Murcutt to transform it into the property it is today, where they also lived for a time.

Berowra Waters Inn is only accessible via boat. Pictured is

The property has a loft built upstairs that has been used as storage for 20 years that Mr Geraghty cleared out as a sleeping quarters.

The private dining room is now the family room for Mr Geraghty, his partner Victoria Zwierzynski and 14-month-old son Otis are tenants.

The commercial kitchen – where Mr Geraghty used to serve up a fine dining degustation menu for diners each week – is where he now prepares family’s meals, from breakfast cereal to Otis’ favourite, mac and cheese.

“I’ve spent a lot of time here since 2012, long days, and we’ve seen a lot, especially the wildlife being on the water, but I never expected to be changing diapers in the dining room,” he said.

The little family are now living the dream on the Hawkesbury. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Mr Geraghty said restaurant owners living on site could be part of the solution for struggling businesses.

“It could be (a solution),” he said. “We have the ability in regards to the structure, but there are some restaurants I’m sure people could do it.”

Originally published as Restrictions force Berowra Waters owner to move into restaurant