The Newport re-opens as Justin Hemmes and builders battle to finish in time

THERE were chaotic scenes before the opening of The Newport today as Justin Hemmes and his team of builders frantically battled against the clock to get make sure everything was in place.

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THE tiled tables may not have been grouted and there was no disguising the sound of drilling, but the opening of The Newport went ahead anyway.

There was a delay of an hour as 250 staff and builders rushed around trying to get the outdoor space finished in time.

Meanwhile, eager punters were allowed into the indoor bar where they were able to watch the chaotic scenes below from the balcony.

Justin Hemmes put lights on a scaffolding platform, 20 minutes before the official opening - he also dismantled it. Picture: Martin Lange

But there were at least a couple of hundred people waiting, with some forced to queue out the door and 20m down the street.

Owner Justin Hemmes, who bought the iconic pub from the Bayfield family, got his hands dirty too, working until 3am on Friday morning, before returning at 6am.

The hotel magnate, turned handy man, was on a scaffolding platform putting up lights, when the Manly Daily arrived for the opening.

Out of time ... staff put up the clock after the official opening deadline. Picture: Martin Lange

Crowds wait to enter the beer garden as workers do the final clean. Picture: Martin Lange

He blamed rain earlier in the week, for pushing them behind schedule.

“It’s been a little bit stressful,” he admitted.

“I don’t like the fact we’re not ready for action.”

However, the pub’s devotees were more than understanding when they were let into the outdoor space just before 1pm, nearly an hour later than scheduled.

Crowded within 15 minutes of The Newport opening. Picture: Martin Lange

Meg Burke, from Newport, who was there with friends and family, said she had been waiting since 11.40am, because she wanted to show her support for Hemmes and The Newport.

“We are all locals who have grown up here and we just wanted to come in and have a look,” she said.

On her first impressions, she said it was clearly still under construction, but nevertheless it was “lovely”.

Within a minutes the area was bustling with most of the available seats taken.

Meg Burke of Newport was there to support her local.

Crowds pour in to enjoy free oysters at the opening of The Newport.

Meanwhile, builders continued their work around them.

Ms Burke said the amazing turn out showed the love people had for the iconic northern beaches pub.

Having bagged a large table with friends and family, she said they would be staying put for the night.

The Newport will have live music all weekend, plus family activities including a petting zoo and face painting on Saturday from noon until 2pm, an Easter egg hunt on Sunday and magic tricks on Monday.