Hotelier Glenn Piper has acquired Newcastle’s iconic Merewether Beach Hotel, an expansive multi-level corner pub that sits on an 1850-sqm site.

A local institution for more than a century, the premises is located a stone’s throw away from the shoreline and has uninterrupted, panoramic views of the ocean.

Mr Piper has partnered with a small syndicate of investors, many of whom are Novocastrians, on the purchase and is committed to revitalising The Beaches with the community and Australian surf culture firmly at its heart. 

“Merewether Beach Hotel is a truly magnificent property, with one of the best pub views in the country,” he said.

“It’s been part of the community since the 1880s, so I feel humbled and excited by this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take it on.

“I have spent a lot of time in the area over the years.

“As a kid, I would always travel up on the weekend to surf with my dad and mates at Merewether.

“My family who lives in Newcastle were actually the ones who told me the pub was on the market.

“They will be coming on board as investors, which makes the sale even more special.”

Mr Piper, who boasts an esteemed career in property, is passionate about creating vibrant destinations that respect the history of the area and celebrate the community that call it home.

His recent transformation of Harbord Hotel took its cues from Freshwater’s history, creating a true beachside haven informed by the surf culture that has long been embedded in its name.

“Both pubs share a wonderful affinity with the surf – the salty sea air is part of their DNA,” Mr Piper said.

“That’s exactly what we wanted to capture at Harbord and certainly what we’ll celebrate at Merewether, the home of Australia’s largest surf carnival.”

Mr Piper also recently took on the leasehold of Q Station, which sits on 30 hectares on the headland on Sydney’s northern beaches.

Given the scale and significance of the property, he is taking considerable time understanding the history of the area and consulting with key land, heritage and Indigenous stakeholders before making any changes to its operations.

Mr Piper will receive the keys to the Merewether Beach Hotel in July.

It’ll trade as normal for the foreseeable future.

Like Harbord and Q Station, he will spend time in the venue before finalising refurbishment plans.

Further details will be announced in due course.

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