Following almost 12 months of extension renovations, the highly anticipated return of the Esplanade Hotel reveals a completely reimagined venue spanning dining, drinking, sport and gaming, alongside an all-new 26-room hotel overlooking Brighton Beach.
One of ALH Hotels’ largest hospitality investments in South Australia to date, the landmark redevelopment has transformed almost every corner of the Esplanade, unlocking its coveted position directly opposite Brighton Jetty while preserving the character and community spirit that has made it a local institution for generations.
ALH Hotels State Manager across SA and WA, Sarah Evans said the renewed Espy had been designed around the way locals and visitors naturally experience Brighton.
“The Espy has always been a meeting place for the Brighton community and retaining that sense of connection was incredibly important to us.”
“What has changed is the way the venue now connects with its remarkable beachfront location and the different ways people can enjoy it throughout the day. Whether it’s breakfast after a morning walk, a long lunch or sunset drinks overlooking the beach, the Espy is just as suited to an everyday visit as it is to a special occasion,” Evans added.
The transformation introduces a series of distinct new spaces; each designed for a different occasion while coming together as one expansive beachfront destination.
The former café has been transformed into the Pier Bar, an open and inviting space where soaring ceilings, exposed original brickwork and a relaxed coastal aesthetic make the most of the hotel’s sought-after setting.
The former bistro has been significantly expanded and reimagined as the Cru Room, bringing dining, a new kitchen, bar and sports vision together in one larger shared space designed to take guests from family meals and casual catchups to the biggest moments on the sporting calendar.
Paul Walton, ALH Hotels, Managing Director said the reopening marked an exciting new era for the much-loved Brighton pub.
“The Esplanade has long been a cornerstone of the Brighton community, and after almost a year behind closed doors, we’re incredibly excited to finally welcome locals and visitors back.”
“This redevelopment unlocks the potential of one of South Australia’s most spectacular beachfront locations, creating a destination that celebrates the coastline and energy of Brighton today while preserving everything locals have always loved about the Espy.”
The former Keno lounge has become the Apres Lounge, while gaming has been relocated into the former sports bar, opening the heart of the hotel to create more space for dining, drinking and socialising.
Publican, Nicole Martin said: “We set out to create Brighton’s top-shelf local. Somewhere a morning coffee can turn into lunch, a walk along the jetty can become sunset drinks, and a casual dinner can easily stretch well into the evening.”
Across the venue, the design draws heavily from Brighton’s coastal setting, balancing muted ocean tones and warm natural finishes with the original charm of the building. Raised ceilings and exposed original brickwork celebrate the hotel’s heritage, while the building’s familiar exterior has been carefully refreshed to retain its place within the Brighton streetscape.
At its heart, The Esplanade remains a pub, approachable, relaxed and designed for everyday occasions, but its food and beverage offering has been elevated to match its prime beachfront address.
The new menu brings a relaxed coastal Mediterranean influence on modern pub dining, combining high-quality produce and vibrant sharing dishes with a signature grill offering and familiar pub favourites.
South Australia takes centre stage across the drinks list, with wines from the Adelaide Hills, Barossa, McLaren Vale and Clare Valley joined by beers from South Australia’s own Coopers, while local produce will feature throughout the menu wherever possible.
Completing the new-look Espy is Nightcap at Esplanade Hotel, an all-new accommodation offering bringing 26 contemporary ensuite rooms to the Brighton foreshore, including premium rooms with sweeping views across Brighton Beach. Nightcap at Esplanade Hotel will welcome its first guests later this month.
Designed for holidaymakers, business travellers and locals seeking a beachside staycation, rooms feature King Koil beds, complimentary Wi-Fi, Smart TVs and access to room service and exclusive dining offers for in-house guests.
The $11.5 million transformation has also created more than 80 full-time, part-time and casual employment opportunities across hospitality, accommodation, gaming and administration.
The renewed Esplanade Hotel is now open seven days a week, trading Monday to Saturday from 8am to 1am and Sunday from 8am to midnight.
ENDS.
Website and Socials
Web: esplanadehotel.com.au Instagram: @esplanade_hotelbrighton
About ALH Hotels
ALH offers a diverse hospitality experience including sports bars, bistros, restaurants, cafes, accommodation, nightclubs, live sports, racing and electronic gaming. Our hotels are located in capital cities and urban and regional centres across Australia. ALH employs over 15,000 people across Australia at more than 350 licensed venues. Our main business activities are pub operations such as bar, foods, accommodation, functions and entertainment. We also acquire, redevelop and refurbish venues to optimise our portfolio and offer state-of-the-art, comfortable and interesting places to visit.
Endeavour Group
Endeavour Group is Australia’s leading retail drinks and hospitality business, with more than 28,000 team members united around the group’s purpose of “creating a more sociable future together”. Its portfolio of trusted brands includes Dan Murphy’s and BWS, as well as the nation’s largest portfolio of hotels, including many Australian icons such as Brisbane’s Breakfast Creek Hotel and Melbourne’s Young & Jackson Hotel. In total, Endeavour Group has more than 2,000 retail stores and hotels across Australia.
