After a major transformation, Cove Tavern quietly reopened the doors to its Hallett Cove home in June, and locals are already wowed by the change.
Just two weeks into its relaunch, the popular pub down south has emerged from one of RD Jones Group’s most ambitious renovations to date. The pubco – also behind destinations like The Moseley and The Gully – teamed up with Gilmore Construction to completely reimagine the tavern’s bistro, gaming room and front bar.
“The renovations have made the Cove unrecognisable,” explains Venue Manager Tom Sellar.
“They knocked down every single internal wall and started again. The space was previously dark – there was wood everywhere, and it wasn’t very inviting. Now the place opens up. There are windows everywhere!”
The venue has been thoughtfully reconfigured to enhance the customer experience across every touchpoint and lends itself to year-round entertaining. The focal point is a seamless indoor-outdoor bistro and alfresco area with a retractable roof and two cosy wood fire heaters.
“It’s great during summer and absolutely fantastic during winter,” says Tom.
The capacity of the bistro has also doubled, and the front bar and alfresco areas are available for private function hire.
Complementing the nearby coastline, the fit-out carries plenty of “beachy” charm, utilising natural elements alongside an ocean-toned colour palette. There’s blues, stainless steel, white and blue timber clad and stone elements, brought together by Studio Nine Architects.
Shifting the revamp into full gear, the food offering has also levelled up. Following the welcome of a new head chef, the menu has undergone a “classic English” inspired switch-up.
“We have amazing beef and Guinness pie, shepherd’s pie, and bangers and mash. Hallet Cove has a very high percentage of English people, so we’ve tapped into that – and they’ve really loved it.”
And for those also jumping on the current Guinness frenzy, The Cove has it on tap and, according to Tom, it’s “flying.”
Most importantly, the locals are “absolutely loving” the new space.
“They’ve been waiting and talking about this renovation for ten to fifteen years, and it’s finally been done,” shares Tom.
And they aren’t holding back the praise online either, with many taking to Facebook, sharing comments like “Looks amazing!”, “Well done on a great refurbishment. Will definitely be back 
” and “Very impressed, long-time coming.”
The Cove Tavern continues its legacy of crowd-pleasing pub fare and warm, community-focused service, now with a well-earned, top-to-toe refresh. Swing by for a pint of Guinness, a hearty winter dish by the fire, and soak up the charm of its all-new coastal-inspired fit-out.
Open from 9am to 3am every day, and hosts live acoustic sets every Friday night and Sunday afternoon.
WHAT: Cove Tavern’s new look
WHEN: 9am – 3am every day
WHERE: 4 Ramrod Ave, Hallett Cove
For the website, click here.
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