After sitting silent on the edge of Lake Macquarie for almost six years, Awaba House is preparing for a new chapter.
The Catering Group has been appointed as the site’s lessee, with plans to breathe life into the landmark following its destruction by fire in 2019.
Lake Macquarie City Council granted the organisation a five-year contract, confident the team can transform the historic building into a destination worth travelling for.
Mayor Adam Shultz said the rebuild marked an important milestone.
“It has been fantastic to see the building taking shape in the countdown to its opening in mid-2026,” he stated.
“But, equally exciting is the direction the venue is headed in the hands of The Catering Group.
“We wanted this to be a destination people talk about and travel to.”
Founded in 2019 by Greg Barclay and chef Adham Aston, The Catering Group already operates five venues across Sydney, including the Lantern Club and Iluka on Baywater.
Aston brings a high-profile culinary background to the project, having worked alongside Jamie Oliver, Justin North and Gareth Howard.
He also trained at the two-hatted Becasse restaurant, once a pivotal part of Sydney’s dining scene.
For Barclay, the appeal of Awaba House was immediate.
“There’s something magnetic about its lakeside setting,” he said.
“The panoramic water views, a rich story behind the building’s heritage and an atmosphere that feels both peaceful and full of possibility.”
Barclay said the company’s goal was to showcase the best of regional NSW, with menus built around local growers, artisans and native Australian ingredients.
“We’re reimagining Awaba House as a true lakeside destination, where great food, creativity and community come together,” he explained.
“Visitors can expect sun-soaked brunches by the water, long lunches that feel like mini getaways and intimate open-air dinners.
“The alfresco deck will be one of those rare spots where you can watch the light change over the water and never want to leave.”
Located beside the Museum of Art and Culture, yapang, and the MAC yapang Sculpture Park, the rebuilt Awaba House retains its heritage façade and iconic round portico.
The interior, however, is entirely modern.
The venue will include a 120-seat restaurant overlooking the lake, with the flexibility to convert the space into a function room for up to 120 guests.
Architectural features include a curved rammed-earth wall, an atrium detailing the site’s history and a deck positioned on the north-eastern corner to capture the changing light across the lake.
Final fit-out and installation of the commercial kitchen are scheduled for early next year.
Further details on bookings will be released closer to the mid-2026 opening.
For more news stories:
- Kevin Rudd receives Honorary Doctorate from UoN
- Man charged with murder after elderly woman found dead at Fern Bay
- Maitland opens doors to Medicare Urgent Care Clinic
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
