The Mona: A nostalgic Northern Beaches venue reimagined
The Mona, a treasured institution of the Northern Beaches, has announced its grand reopening. Under the stewardship of popular local Ben Hanson, the iconic pub, formerly known as The Old Rex Hotel, and more recently The Park House, will unveil a fresh look and renewed spirit while paying heartfelt tribute to its rich heritage. The venue, owned by Laundy Hotels, will officially embark on its new chapter as The Mona from Friday 4 October, 2024, with a series of exciting launch events planned for the upcoming Labour Day long weekend (Friday 4 – Monday 7 October, 2024).
Since its debut as the Old Rex Hotel in 1925, The Mona has been a cornerstone of Northern Beaches culture renowned for its live music, great food and lively atmosphere. Evolving into The Mona in the 1980s, it was later rebranded as The Park House, following its acquisition by Arthur Laundy (and the Short Family) in 2014. Now, under Ben Hanson’s ownership, The Mona is set to reconnect with its roots as a quintessential local pub honouring its legacy while embracing a vibrant future.
Ben Hanson, a lifelong Northern Beaches resident and nephew to pub baron Arthur Laundy, has a deep connection to the community. Growing up in Dee Why and Manly, the cinematographer-turned-publican is the son of a baker and inspiration for Manly and Avalon icon Ben’s Bakery, founded by Hanson’s father, Peter in 1977. Adding to the excitement of The Mona’s relaunch is the introduction of Ben’s Bakery Café & Pizzeria, which will offer artisanal baked goods, including pastries and coffee, alongside wood-fired pizzas and deli sandwiches.
“For me, the biggest thing is bringing back ‘The Mona’ and ‘Ben’s Bakery Café.’ I want the pub to have that local, relaxed feel again. Both venues have been institutions on the beaches,” said Hanson. “I want ‘The Mona’ to be recognized as a terrific, family-friendly, fun, and inclusive venue for people of all ages. We aim to create something that will be enjoyed within the community for years to come, whether it’s by sporting groups or locals alike.”
The renovation of The Mona celebrates local culture with a striking mural of Simon Anderson surfing at North Narrabeen, painted by Australian artist, Steve Gorrow. Anderson, a surfing legend known for inventing “The Thruster” surfboard, and Gorrow, a versatile artist and surfer, bring a personal touch to the pub’s décor. This mural pays homage to the surfing heritage of the Northern Beaches, complementing The Mona’s commitment to supporting the local surf community.
The revamped Courtyard delivers a vibrant dining experience with its dynamic indoor/outdoor space, perfect for lively get-togethers. Here, the new food menu, developed by Ben Hanson, in collaboration with Laundy Hotels’ Group Head Chefs, continues to offer good Aussie hospitality, serving your favourite pub classics, as well as elevated ‘surf and turf’-style mains, salads, share plates and tacos. New hero dishes include Chargrill octopus with new potatoes, soft herbs, roasted tomatoes, jalapeno salsa; Popcorn prawn tacos with avocado salsa, cabbage and lime mayo; Oven baked salmon with chimichurri spice rub, blackened corn, tomato salsa and salad; and Tin can brisket nachos with bean chilli, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, salsa and jalapeño.
The Beer Garden and Back Yard have both undergone a significant upgrade with new astro turf, shade sails, and the addition of the playground. The sprawling outdoor space now features anairstream with five beer taps, a deck for live music, and a 4×3 metre large screen TV for watching the best live sports. Plus, over 150 new plants, including a mix of Australian tropical and subtropical varieties, have been added to enhance the beer garden’s lush, inviting atmosphere. The Back Yard will also serve as a versatile space for events, including live music and food festivals throughout the year.
As a father of three young boys, Ben Hanson re-designed the Back Yard with families in mind. The new playground features Moduplay custom-made equipment, including a 4-metre slippery dip, 3 sets of swings, and fun climbing structures. Shade sails protect the little ones from the sun, while a secure fence allows parents to relax while their children play. Inside the hotel, the new kids’ corner is equipped to entertain with 5 Nintendo Switches, a large chalkboard wall, and a variety of toys, creating a fun and interactive environment for young guests.
Opening daily at 6am, Ben’s Bakery Café offers a convenient spot for commuters to grab a “B-Line Bite” – a coffee and pastry or croissant for just $10. It’s also a welcoming space for mothers’ groups to enjoy coffee while their kids play in the adjacent playground. From midday, the café pivots into a pizzeria, serving delicious wood-fired pizzas from the Vesuvio pizza oven, including Roman-style pizzas on a focaccia base with toppings such as Mortadella, fresh burrata and pistachio; and Truffle roasted wood mushrooms and pecorino. DIY sharing boards featuring fresh bread and a selection of salumi can also be ordered throughout the day, alongside traditional wood-fired pizzas and more.
The grand reopening over the upcoming Labour Day long weekend will feature an exhilarating lineup of entertainment. On Friday 4 October, “Mona Fridays” will showcase international DJ WEISS (UK) with support from Body Ocean (NZ). On Saturday 5 October, headline act The Beautiful Girls, featuring the extraordinary voice of frontman Mat McHugh, will perform a live Back Yard set. Another Dee Why local, the talented McHugh, shares a long history with landlord Ben Hanson and artist Steve Gorrow, all three having grown up together on the beaches. Additional festivities over the long weekend will include Dachshund races on Saturday 5 October, as well as a reptile show for the kids and the NRL Grand Final broadcast live and loud on Sunday 6 October. Events will be free to attend and open to all.
The Mona has been a staple of Northern Beaches culture for nearly a century. With its legacy of community spirit and a refreshed look, The Mona is ready to welcome back old friends and new visitors. Experience the perfect blend of tradition and modernity, all within a local pub run by a local favourite.
The Mona: 2 Park Street, Mona Vale
Front Yard: Open Mon–Sun (10am – 3am)
Garden Bar: Open Sun–Thu (12pm – 9pm) | Fri–Sat (10am – 12am)
Ben’s Bakery Café: Open 7am – 11:30am