Northern Beaches iconic pub The Mona reopens its doors with a surprise twist

Northern beaches residents are set for a bit of nostalgia as a beloved local venue reopens its doors with a fresh new look and surprise twist.

Northern beaches residents are set for a bit of nostalgia as a beloved local venue gets a fresh new look with a surprise twist.

Treasured Beaches institution The Mona is officially opening it’s doors to families north of the bridge next month with a “renewed spirit”, following months of anticipation.

The revamped iconic pub – formerly known as The Old Rex Hotel and more recently The Park Hotel, will pay a heartfelt tribute to it’s rich heritage, having recently been taken over by popular Dee Why home – grown local Ben Hanson.

Mr Hanson – the son of baker Peter Hanson and inspiration for Manly and Avalon icon Ben’s Bakery, said the reimaging of the well – known venue is about honouring the legacy while embracing the future.

“It was a no-brainer for me to make the venue The Mona again, I’m very proud of the heritage,” he told Confidential.

Treasured Northern Beaches institution The Mona is officially opening it’s doors to families north of the bridge next month with a “renewed spirit” following months of anticipation. Picture: Supplied.

“The pub has been called The Park House for seven years and it’s not a local name. The place lost it’s way a bit. Anyone local knows it as The Mona.

“I want The Mona to be recognised as a terrific, family-friendly, fun, and inclusive venue for people of all ages.”

The Mona is set to reopen it’s doors with a grand opening on October 4. Picture: Supplied

The coastal pub is also launching an extension - Ben’s Bakery Cafe & Pizzeria, which will offer artisanal baked goods, coffee and wood-fired pizzas in tribute to steward Ben Hanson’s father’s 1977 born bakery Ben’s Bakery.

Not only is the coastal pub relaunching with a makeover, but also an extension – Ben’s Bakery Café & Pizzeria, which will offer artisanal baked goods, coffee, wood-fired pizzas and deli sandwiches, paying tribute to his father’s beloved cornerstone of local culture.

The original Ben’s Bakery in 1977 – a beloved icon in Manly and Avalon which has been reimagined as part of the new The Mona. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Hanson said he was focused on bringing back the “90s retro” Northern Beaches vibe to the reminaged venue. Picture: Supplied.

“Anyone from the 90s era knows Ben’s Bakery. It was an institution so why not bring it back in Monavale,” the father of three said.

“We had the kitchen sitting there before Covid and it hasn’t been doing anything so we thought we would bring that (bakery) back and get the whole retro 90s beaches back.”

The Laundy Hotels owned venue will embark on its new chapter from October 4 with a renovation celebrating local culture, new food menu, outdoor and indoor space, beer garden and children’s playground.

Originally published as Northern Beaches iconic pub The Mona reopens its doors with a surprise twist