Sydney beachside icon the Coogee Bay Hotel is celebrating 150 years in 2023 with a year-long extravaganza including relaunch of the legendary live music venue Selina’s.
Over the course of the year the pub will host festivities showcasing its rich history, vibrant spirit and future plans, set in three distinct phases: from February to April will be The Legacy, May to August see Forever Young, and September to November will bring Many Happy Returns.
“As an iconic Sydney establishment, we have had the pleasure of being a part of the community for over a century and a half,” offers C!nc group MD Chris Cheung.
“Our anniversary campaign is a reflection of our past, present, and future and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with our valued customers, sponsors, and the community.”
The Legacy (Feb–Apr): 150 years Strong. A trip “down memory lane” that will revisit the Hotel’s rich history. A Legacy food and cocktail menu will echo the culinary journey, accompanied by ‘150 Years Wine’, incorporating a series of limited edition commemorative wines released by The Barrel.
And on show is the new Historic Mini Museum, where visitors can relive the past courtesy of a display of historic images and keepsakes.
Stage one includes the Big Birthday Bash on Sunday 26 March, from midday, featuring an array of live entertainment, sumptuous specials and a celebratory birthday cake.
Forever Young (May–Aug): the locals’ local. Winter will see celebrations in tribute to the local community, bringing community-focussed events such as Market Days for local producers, and a large-scale immersive play experience to encourage guests to “let loose and engage with their inner child” in an exciting and interactive experience.
Many Happy Returns (Sep–Nov): looking to the future. Amid planning for a major future development, this stage will unveil a game-changing environmental initiative by Coogee Bay Hotel (CBH), as it plans a bold step toward a sustainable future.
CBH continues its charity partnership with Sydney Children Hospital, which to date has raised over $3.6 million. This October the Hotel will host its 26th annual charity golf day, in support of the SCH foundation.
There is also a new mural installation at the pub by local artist Charlie Nivison from Silly Pear that will take patrons on a journey through time, revisiting the heritage, relishing the present, and offering a peek into the future.
The announcement incorporates the plans for a revived live music program in Selina’s – one of Sydney’s most institutional venues for artists throughout the 80s and 90s, hosting the likes of Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Midnight Oil and INXS.
A “legendary headline act” is already billed as part of the triumphant return for the band room, ahead of major works planned at the CBH.
“This might end up with an epic final curtain close within the next few years,” Cheung explained to PubTIC.
“But the narrative is about CBH celebrating 150 years with a year-long initiative to help celebrate the occasion.”
