Harbord Hotel sparks new life into Freshwater

The revamped Harbord Hotel has opened to the public, with queues of people lining up to check it out. The Manly Daily got a tour and spoke to the owners about what people can expect.

Owner of the Harbord Hotel Glenn Piper behind one of the bars. Picture: Madelaine Wong

The Harbord Hotel could be the first step in bringing Freshwater back to life as long lines of people waited outside in anticipation for a seat at the grand opening on Sunday.

It follows a $3m revamp of the popular seaside venue by new owners Glenn Piper and Lachlan Cottee who bought the establishment in February.

Mr Piper said they were “overwhelmed” by the support they’d received since opening the doors.

The new entrance to the Harbord Hotel, following renovations which happened under the recent lockdown. Picture: Madelaine Wong

“We’re very fortunate to have a strong community here. This venue has always meant a lot to the community and we really appreciate their support,” Mr Piper said.

“It’s unfortunate people had to line up outside because we didn’t have the capacity due to COVID restrictions.

“We never want to turn people away and it means the venue is not as full as it could be but most of our local clientele have been extremely patient and have followed all the COVID restrictions.”

People line up to get a seat at the Harbord Hotel in Freshwater, following its revamp. Picture: Madelaine Wong

Harbord Hotel owner Glenn Piper is behind a major revamp of the popular seaside venue, which opened on Sunday, Picture: Madelaine Wong

The young entrepreneur and father-of-two said Freshwater village had lost a few key businesses recently, but he hoped the renovated venue would help boost the local economy.

“We wanted to be the focal point of Freshwater and its rejuvenation of the whole suburb. We think our new venue puts Freshwater on the map for hospitality and it’s led to us employing 100 people.

Lines outside the Harbord Hotel in Freshwater at lunchtime on January 5, following the grand opening over the weekend. Picture: Madelaine Wong

“We want to make the sure the venue continues the legacy that the previous owners passed onto us and there is job growth in our area.”

Due to COVID the owners decided to fast track the refurbishment which was originally planned for 2021.

Bar staff busy at work at the Harbord Hotel a few days after reopening following a major revamp. Picture: Madelaine Wong

“I didn’t think we’d be ever encounter a forced closure, it’s the first time in our venue’s 100 year history but of course it’s important to get it under control in our country so we played our part.

“In one way it’s been better for us because we opened much quicker than we ever anticipated. We were able to start construction in July and were able to open on January 3.”

Patrons enjoy the new interior inside the Harbord Hotel in Freshwater. Picture: Madelaine Wong

The contemporary interior has been inspired by Freshwater’s surf culture and young spirit, with an expansive main bar, sun-soaked terrace, and new restaurant and cocktail bar, Balsa.

Balsa will be Californian-inspired and is set to open in coming weeks, featuring a menu with fresh sustainable fish and oysters.

Head chef Adam Rust, formerly of 12 Micron, is behind the menu.

Sneak peek of the Harbord Hotel's new restaurant Balsa, which features a contemporary interior with remnants of its heritage. Picture: Madelaine Wong

Throughout the venue are murals by northern beaches artist Ash Holmes.

The first phase of renovations have included gutting the ground floor of the hotel, removing walls and exposing original heritage elements such as the beautiful archway windows and the original staircase.

Preview of menu at the recently renovated restaurant in the Harbord Hotel. Picture: supplied

The team is taking a gradual approach to the venue’s refurbishment, and the second phase is set to include a further evolution of the current offering, adding a boutique accommodation building and cafe.