Shore thing – Byron welcomes new beach bar

BEACH Hotel Byron Bay has transformed part of its beer garden into a tiki-style bar called The Shack.

The bar’s look and feel, curated by local designer Shantala Mack, was inspired by the kind of hand-built beach shelters seen in coastal destinations around the world.

It’s located on the Bay Street side of the Hotel, overlooking Main Beach, in an area of the beer garden that was often reserved for functions previously.

The Shack’s menu has a strong focus on seafood and share plates, with dishes such as lobster tacos with mango sauce, salmon crudo with stone fruit, and octopus skewers glazed with gochujang and sesame.

It also serves beer, wine and cocktails ranging from classic Pina Coladas through to the fashionable Naked and Famous.

Beach Hotel’s general manager of food Ben Turner said the bar complements other areas of the pub’s traditional offering, including the beer garden and recently revamped sports bar.

“The design reflects the relaxed, welcoming spirit of Byron, making it ideal for enjoying the ocean breeze​,” he said.

“It embraces Byron’s beachside lifestyle and culinary spirit while taking advantage of its incredible location. It has been curated to enhance and complement rather than compete with the surroundings.

“Its menu and design strike a balance between casual and refined, reflecting what the region is renowned for – high quality produce and a laid-back atmosphere.” ​

Turner, who joined The Beach Hotel in 2022, honed his skills in Michelin-starred restaurants across London, including the iconic Claridge’s Hotel, fine dining restaurant The Square and Chris Galvin’s French noshery The Orrery.

He also worked as head chef at two-hat restaurant Aria in Sydney for more than a decade before making the move north.