The only pub in Batemans Bay is open again. Photo: Simon Newman/Facebook.
The new publicans at the helm of Bayview Hotel are breathing a sigh of relief after a successful reopening.
Mike Dawn told Region this week’s soft launch came with a full house for dinner on opening night.
“We were unsure what response we were going to get initially… [but] we were reasonably confident that people would get in and support the pub being open again.”
The venue had been closed since late 2024, after the longtime owners decided not to renew their lease.
The Bayview’s doors reopened last Monday (20 October) for a soft-opening after a nearly year-long closure, during which much of the pub’s interior was renovated as part of a new fit-out.
“In any opening of a hospitality venue – any restaurant or bar – there’s always so many moving parts,” he said.
“Generally, the general public doesn’t get to see these little bits and pieces … We have some great people working with us, and there weren’t too many problems.”
Mr Dawn also pushed back on social media claims that men with beards weren’t being allowed inside.
The claims were made in several social media posts, with people saying bouncers told bearded men they weren’t welcome while letting others in.
He suggested there was another basis for the decision.
“There are some people who probably won’t be welcome in the hotel. … The reason that [the complainant] wasn’t allowed in had nothing to do with his beard or the way he was dressed.
“Certainly, beards are okay.”
Mr Dawn said that while some people had been asking about an online presence and booking system for the Bayview, that was still in the works.
Until it is open (and afterwards), people can book a table by visiting the pub.
As the coastal town’s only pub, Mr Dawn said it brought something different to the other restaurants and bars in the region.
“It’s a slightly older demographic, perhaps that we’re used to [at the Canberra venues].
“The community is fantastic … We’re optimistic about the future. It’s a great part of the state, and it’s been undercatered for a long time.”
The venue is owned by Michael Kouparitsas, who also owns the Kingston Hotel (aka ‘the Kingo’) and the Civic Pub in Canberra.
Batemans Bay Business Chamber spokesman David Maclachlan said it was good to see the venue open ahead of the summer tourist season.
“It’s great that it’s reopened. It’s [located] right in the middle of town … [The new owners have] reinvested in their business, so that’s good for the Bay and the area.”
Mr Dawn said their focus will be on hiring more locals and settling into life at the reopened Bayview Hotel.
“We’re going to work really hard to make it a terrific pub and give people of the Bay a great place to go and enjoy it.”
The Bayview Hotel is located at 20 Orient Street, Batemans Bay.
Original Article published by Claire Sams on Region Canberra.
