Moreton Hospitality’s The Beach Hotel, on Stradbroke Island, has reopened its doors following a transformative and innovative renovation.
The pub, known as ‘Straddie Hotel’ on socials, has renewed its focus on sustainability, community and exceptional experiences for guests, integrating the facility more closely with the natural beauty of the environment as well as creating a space that can welcome families and host events.
The “beating heart of Point Lookout” is a blend of island living, surf culture and the social energy expected at a buzzing community hub, which ensures local and tourist alike feel at home.
Offering attentive yet chilled service, the Straddie’s menu presents locally sourced oysters and other fresh seafood alongside the classic parmy or steak, while the bar promotes local brews such as Straddie Brewing Co beer.
A collaboration between culture agency Example and KP Architects has produced redeveloped and refreshed spaces where everything from nostalgic memorabilia to a sun-washed colour scheme evoke the nostalgia of a Queensland beach summer, while drawing guests closer to the ocean.
The function space, ‘Headland Room’, overlooks Cylinder Beach and boasts its own sunset balcony bar, hosting up to 250 cocktail-style or 120 seated, while a kiosk serving coffee and breakfast to early-morning beachgoers will be open during the summer.
Other highlights include a second bar, breezy upper deck, and reimaged main bar and bistro space. An expanded all-weather deck with an operable roof system now offers panoramic views.
With a packed calendar of events and live music, the return ensures a much-needed injection of energy into local tourism following the recent cyclone, with the pub supporting local businesses and jobs.
The Straddie will continue to support major events across the island, including the triathlon festival Straddie Salute, and surfing competition Straddie Invitational.
The hotel’s general manager, Fenn McDonnell, said that seeing people return and reconnect is what the reopening is all about.
“Reopening The Straddie Hotel has been about protecting everything locals and regulars love while elevating the experience for a new generation.
“We’ve created a venue that’s relaxed, social and unmistakably Queensland.”
