The Boathouse empire has dropped anchor in Rose Bay, marking the latest location for a Sydney hospitality group built on sunny days and seaside dining.

In prime position on the Rose Bay Marina, The Boathouse Rose Bay occupies the site that was last Regatta – though it’s undergone a significant facelift since being taken over by the Boathouse Group in December 2020.

The first sign of new life was a takeaway coffee and food window that opened earlier this year, followed by the launch of a kiosk and now, completing the renovation, a new restaurant.

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“We’ve always loved the eastern suburbs area, and in particular the building that is now The Boathouse,” Boathouse Group co-founder Andrew Goldsmith tells Broadsheet. “The location is particularly special, with beautiful views over Rose Bay Marina and Sydney Harbour.”

The Boathouse Group hit the news when it collapsed in 2019, owing 500 creditors $21.5 million. Under new owners the Palm Group, The Boathouse Rose Bay signals a comeback for Andrew and Pip Goldsmith (who have remained onboard to run the venues) and is the 10th venue – including Boathouses in Balmoral Beach, Palm Beach and Shelly Beach – to join the group they established in 2008.

It shares the same relaxed and stylish beach-themed decor the couple is renowned for, with Boathouse favourites such as lobster pots, glass buoys and patterned lampshades set against a backdrop of white walls, pops of green and marble surfaces.

“My favourite design decision would have to be covering a previously tired [ceiling] with hundreds of glass buoys”, says Pip, the group’s creative director.

While the kiosk menu is in keeping with the group’s other cafes, serving favourites such as the Boathouse bacon and egg roll, the restaurant upstairs offers a more sophisticated, seafood-focused menu designed by group executive chef James Brownrigg.

Scampi linguine, lobster ravioli and kingfish ceviche are among the dishes Brownrigg has designed to complement more casual offerings in the kiosk, which run from toasted banana bread and breakfast bowls in the morning to beer battered fish’n’chips and steak sangas in the afternoon.

“The Boathouse can be enjoyed by everyone, whether it’s a coffee from the takeaway window out the front, breakfast after paddleboarding or celebrating a special occasion in the restaurant,” says Andrew.

The Boathouse Rose Bay
594 New South Head Road, Rose Bay
(02) 9974 2004

Hours
Kiosk
Daily 7am–3pm

Restaurant
Daily 11.30am–5pm, 6pm–9pm

theboathouserosebay.com.au