Two young Newcastle hospitality operators are behind the city’s newest café, bringing a fresh chapter to one of its most historic coastal landmarks.

Noke Group directors Noah Leonard, 24, and Blake Gontier, 27, will open Eddie’s at Shepherds Hill on Wednesday 22 July.

The opening marks the first time the 1890s-built former military mess hall has been open to the public, following a $1.8 million restoration by City of Newcastle.

For the pair, the challenge was creating a welcoming hospitality space while respecting the history of the heritage-listed building.

Mr Leonard said the team carefully considered every design choice, from the colour palette to the furniture and artwork.

“We’ve tried to tie everything back to the original colours of the building,” he said.

“We’ve got the red tables to tie back to the red features of the building, along with custom tiles and materials that complement the heritage style.”

The café also features Aboriginal artwork as a way of acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land.

Mr Gontier said the venue’s name also pays tribute to its location.

“We’ve named it Eddie’s after where we are located in King Edward Park.

“We’ve shortened Edward to Eddie’s, which also ties back into our branding,” he said.

The pair have also incorporated the building’s past into the café, with areas named after their original uses, including the Mess Hall and Gunner’s Dining Room.

Lord Mayor Gavin Morris said opening Shepherds Hill Cottage to the public was a significant milestone for Newcastle.

“Shepherds Hill Cottage has been a fixture of the coastline for more than 130 years and has played many roles in Newcastle’s history, but remarkably has never been open to the public like it will be from tomorrow,” Cr Morris said.

“Giving another heritage location back to the community to enjoy is a special moment.”

The restoration project began after the 2015 super storm caused significant damage to the site, forcing Marine Rescue NSW to relocate.

The final stage of works included a commercial kitchen, upgraded amenities and an accessible entry path, supported by a $465,000 NSW Government Crown Reserves Improvement Fund grant.

Located along Bathers Way, Eddie’s offers views stretching across the coastline from Port Stephens to Dudley and is expected to become a new stop for locals and visitors.

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