Rediscover laid-back coastal vibes, craft beers, and family-friendly fun at The Mona, complete with a bakery, pizzeria, and vibrant outdoor spaces.
When the sun’s out in Sydney, there’s no better reason to hit the coast – and we’ve found your go-to weekend spot. Say hello to The Mona, a beloved Northern Beaches venue that’s been beautifully reimagined for today’s crowd.
Originally opened as The Old Rex Hotel back in 1925, this spot became Mona in the 1980s before evolving into The Park House in 2014. But now, it’s back to its roots with a fresh new look, while holding onto the venue’s heritage charm.
Led by Northern Beaches local, Ben Hanson, The Mona is bringing laid-back, community vibes with a focus on surf culture, craft beers, and good times. It’s a place where locals can gather, with Ben’s Bakery Café & Pizzeria dishing out fresh pastries and coffee in the morning, then flipping to serve wood-fired pizzas from their Vesuvio pizza oven come midday.
Hanson explains, “For me, the biggest thing is bringing back that local, relaxed feel again. I want ‘The Mona’ to be recognised as a fun, family-friendly venue for everyone, whether you’re part of a local sporting group or just dropping in for a pint.”
The Courtyard’s been revamped too and is a dreamy spot for a sunny day, with a menu packed with pub classics and elevated dishes. Think chargrilled octopus, popcorn prawn tacos, and oven-baked salmon with chimichurri.
The outdoor space now boasts five beer taps, live music on the deck, a massive 4×3 metre TV for sports fans, and a lush garden with over 150 new plants. If you’ve got kids in tow, the Backyard playground is a winner, complete with swings, climbing frames, and a slippery dip, all protected by shade sails.
The Mona’s open daily from 6am. Keep an eye out for weekly specials too – half-price pizzas on Mondays, $18 taco sets on Tuesdays, and burger-and-beer deals for $25 on Wednesdays. Plus, Happy Hour runs Monday to Friday from 4pm-6pm, with house beers, ciders, and wine from just $7. Find out more here.
