Balmoral Bathers’ Pavilion launches second venue for four-month summer period

It made headlines for serving a former US president – now the famed Bathers’ Pavilion is set to launch a new ‘pop up’ restaurant that will run exclusively for the beachside summer crowds.

Bathers’ Pavilion co-owner and managing director Jess Shirvington has cut the ribbon to the venue’s new pop-up restaurant.

It’s loved by locals, frequented by keen foodies – and has even served a former US president – and now the famed Balmoral Bathers’ Pavilion is set to expand its footprint with the launch of a new ‘pop up’ restaurant.

The Bathers’ Pavilion has opened the doors to a new Italian-style wine bar on the Balmoral Esplanade that will operate for a limited four-month period to cater for the beachside summer crowds.

Called Eddy’s, the venue will serve an Italian inspired menu featuring handmade pastas, gelato, tiramisu, summer spritz and wine by the glass.

The venue is located at the site of the former Balmoral Corner Store restaurant facing The Esplanade and will trade until the end of the school holidays in January.

Bathers’ Pavilion co-owner and managing director Jess Shirvington said the idea for the venue was inspired by similar beachside eateries dotted along the Italian coast.

The Bathers’ Pavilion at Balmoral is expanding its footprint over summer.

“It’s coastal dining and we very much wanted to give it an Italian theme in terms of the atmosphere and cuisine as well as giving people what they want when they’re near the beach,” she said.

“We have sit down service but we’re also serving things like Roman-style pizzas by the slice and gelato from the canteen area that people can pick up and take to the beach. It’s a fun venue and something the whole family can enjoy over the warmer months.”

A photo of the new Eddy's pop-up restaurant in Balmoral

The Obama’s, pictured leaving the Balmoral Pavilion this year.

The venue’s launch coincides with the four year anniversary since Ms Shirvington, who is married to television presenter and former athlete Matt Shirvington, took the reins of the Bathers’ Pavilion as its co-owner in 2019.

While hospitality has faced many challenges over that period including Covid shutdowns, staff shortages and the ongoing pressures of inflation, Ms Shirvington said the venue was continuing to thrive thanks in part to its loyal customer base.

“It takes a lot of work and restaurants don’t run themselves and one of the things is you have to be adaptable,” she said. “We’re continually grateful for the community support we have.”

The launch of Eddy’s tops off a year where the Bathers’ Pavilion has served some big name guests including Barack and Michelle Obama during their highly publicised visit to Sydney in March.

“We tried to keep their visit very low-key and the Obamas even entered through the garbage room door to not attract attention but it was very hard to keep their 14-15 car motorcade under wraps,” Ms Shirvington said.

A photo of the new Eddy's pop-up restaurant.

“They had a good meal and chose to eat off the bistro menu.

“It was very exciting for our chef to be able to cook for them.”

Ms Shirvington said the menu at Eddy’s would evolve over the summer period to showcase the best seasonal produce.

Head chef Dan Webb – who has previously worked at venues including Banco Manly – will be leading kitchen duties under the guidance of the Bathers’ Bistro executive chef Perry Hill.

Eddy’s will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.