An iconic hospitality precinct for over 150 years, Sydney’s Coogee Bay Hotel has just launched its next chapter of cuisine by the sea, Beach Bar & Dining.
Overlooking iconic Coogee Beach, the new space is led by executive chef Justin Schott and captures the spirit of coastal Sydney.
Schott trained at London’s Lanesborough Hotel under Paul Gayler, then worked at the Michelin-starred Apsleys in Hyde Park alongside Heinz Beck. Ten years ago, he continued his career across some of Sydney’s favourites, including Mimi’s.
Beach Bar & Dining’s new summer sharing menu captures the feeling of Coogee, says Schott, evoking the sound of the surf, salt in the air and cool breezes mingling with the scent of citrus and grilled seafood.
The drinks match the mood, being “as bright and breezy as the view”, he suggests.
“Coogee has always been about connection, to the beach, to the community, to good food shared with friends,” says general manager Matt Murray.
“With Justin at the helm, we’ve created something that feels distinctly Sydney, effortless and vibrant.”
The Coogee Bay Hotel is part of C!INC, a multi-award-winning hospitality group that also owns Sydney’s Cruise Bar, along with its latest acquisition, Melba’s Rooftop.
The Cruise Bar & Restaurant in Circular Quay has also revealed its new summer menu and cocktail list, which celebrate Sydney’s coastal rhythm with vibrant and generous offerings created with local produce and native ingredients, and drinks that capture “Sydney’s golden-hour glow”.
Recently named Metropolitan Chef of the Year at the 2025 AHA NSW Awards for Excellence, head chef Han Chen said he can’t help but be inspired by the harbour.
“The ferries moving across Circular Quay, the salt in the air, the light on the water … this menu is about that moment. It’s about celebrating summer the Sydney way.”
Upstairs from Cruise Bar lies the elevated (in both senses) and newly opened Melba’s Rooftop, a relaxed open-air retreat offering a spectacular panorama of the harbour.
Dining is share-style and grazing, aiming for long and lazy afternoons, with a cocktail list to match the bright, character-filled view, capturing the essence of a summer in Sydney.
This year, New Year’s Eve will be celebrated across all three levels, and with front-row seats to the fireworks is destined to be a spectacular event.
Each level will offer live DJs and a curated food and drink menu on the night.
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C!NC Managing Director Chris Cheung (OAM) was recently recognised as the youngest recipient of the National AHA Awards for Excellence ‘Hotelier of the Year’.
Cheung is also known for his philanthropy, having raised over $4m for the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation over the past three decades, as well as supporting many other causes, including local surf lifesaving and community sports teams.
Three years ago, Lions Australia presented Cheung with the Melvin Jones award for his humanitarian contributions.
