The Boathouse at Rose Bay, an esteemed institution in Sydney's eastern suburbs, has unexpectedly closed its doors, leaving local patrons and the city's dining scene in a state of surprise. The waterside restaurant, which had become a renowned hotspot for the elite inner Sydney crowd and local celebrities, quietly ceased operations on January 11, with the news communicated via a notice taped to the front entrance.
A Sudden Farewell to a Dining Hotspot
The handwritten note, which marked the end of an era, began by stating, 'After five wonderful years, Sunday 11th of January was our final restaurant and café service at The Boathouse Rose Bay.' It went on to explain that the closure resulted from the lease agreement coming to an end, with the management opting not to renew as they shift focus towards new ventures.
'With our lease coming to an end, we've made the difficult decision not to extend as we focus on a new chapter for the Boathouse Group, with several new venues and projects on the horizon,' the sign elaborated. The message concluded with a heartfelt thank you to guests and staff, expressing hope to welcome them at other Boathouse locations in the future.
Shock and Dismay Among Devoted Diners
The closure has sent ripples of dismay through the community, with devastated diners taking to social media to voice their disappointment. One user lamented, 'Oh no, I did love The Boathouse,' while another speculated, 'Cost of living I'd say. Sad. It was good.' A third comment reflected a broader trend, musing, 'Sign of the times, sadly. Going out for a meal is a luxury.'
Despite the sudden shutdown, The Boathouse Rose Bay's Instagram account remains active, though it has been dormant since October of last year. Notably, the venue has been removed from the list of locations on the Boathouse Group's official website, signalling a permanent departure.
The Boathouse Group's Evolution and Future
The Boathouse Group, which operates several iconic waterside hospitality venues across Sydney and regional New South Wales, is now steering towards a new chapter. Their flagship restaurant, The Boathouse, continues at four other outposts: Shelly Beach, Balmoral, and regional locations in Patonga and North Wollongong.
Other venues within the group's current portfolio include Barrenjoey House in Palm Beach, Manly Pavilion, The Espy Manly, and The Mona Social. This diversification underscores the group's resilience and strategic shift following past financial challenges.
A Venue with a Rich History
The Boathouse Rose Bay opened with much fanfare in 2021, establishing itself at a site with a long history of hospitality businesses. Located on Rose Bay Marina at New South Head Road, the venue previously housed the modern restaurant Regatta and, before that, Pier restaurant helmed by acclaimed chef Greg Doyle.
As The Boathouse, the venue was cleverly divided into two distinct dining areas: a casual breakfast and brunch spot downstairs and a more formal dining area upstairs. This setup catered to a wide range of patrons, from morning coffee enthusiasts to evening fine-dining aficionados. It also marked the Boathouse Group's first foray into the competitive eastern suburbs of Sydney, a move that initially proved successful.
Overcoming Financial Turbulence
The Boathouse Group's journey has not been without its hurdles. Founded in 2008 with the launch of their Palm Beach waterside café, which quickly became a sought-after venue for Sydney's social elite, the group faced significant financial difficulties in 2019. Reports emerged of mounting debts, unpaid suppliers, and threats of wind-up action, placing the hospitality business in precarious waters.
To navigate these challenges, new investors were brought in, with property developers and brothers Ben and Jono Isaac stepping in to stabilise the group. The original owners, the Goldsmith family, later exited the business in 2021, paving the way for the current ownership structure.
Today, The Boathouse Group is owned by the Isaac family, along with chief executive officer Antony Jones, who are steering the company towards future growth with several new venues and projects in the pipeline. The closure of The Boathouse Rose Bay, while a loss for the eastern suburbs, represents a strategic pivot as the group consolidates its resources and expands its footprint in other locations.
