When Merewether Meets Remarkable: Merewether Surfhouse Enhances its Beachfront Dining Experience

Updated on REMARKABLE INSIDER by Joe Gregory

What to visit in Newcastle: The Merewether Surfhouse

The Merewether Surfhouse is a stunning option for anybody visiting Newcastle. It boasts three levels, each with its unique atmosphere and vibrancy. 

Into this steps Remarkable Outdoor Living, which has collaborated with The Merewether Surfhouse to bring the ultimate in comfort and practicality to guests and venue management. Throughout the venue, commercial furniture is used to elevate the experience of visitors and ensure they have everything they need, and it provides practical solutions to venue owners. The venue steps up as the go-to place for any occasion if you're visiting Newcastle. 

Three people, two men and one woman, are posing in a restaurant with smiles. The woman in the center has her arms around the two men. The background features a bar area and dining tables with patrons.
Dean, Head of Marketing at Remarkable Outdoor Living, Joe, Content Specialist at Remarkable Outdoor Living, and Kaori, Manager of The Merewether Surfhouse, at a brand collaboration event.

Commercial-Grade Furniture for Merewether Surfhouse’s Beachfront Café

Remarkable Outdoor Living takes great pride in its line of commercial-grade cafe furniture because this permits it to enter partnerships like the one with The Merewether Surfhouse. With Nardi items throughout the Surfhouse, including the Doga Dining Chair, Trill Bar Stool, and Net Dining Chair, the venue is well set to meet its clientele's needs, especially given the 2-year commercial warranty, which provides peace of mind for venue owners. 

Items such as the Trill Bar Chair offer elevated seating so guests can enjoy uninterrupted ocean views, and its tones beautifully match The Merewether Surfhouse's aesthetic. The Doga Dining Chair is perfect for clustering around the tables, offering relaxation and functionality, as well as an ocean-style twist in its Menta colour that is ideal for the Surfhouse.

A café area at The Merewether Surfhouse featuring neatly arranged tables and green Nardi Doga Dining Chairs. Two café workers stand at the counter, with natural light and plants creating a relaxed atmosphere.
A chic café set up at The Merewether Surfhouse, featuring the Nardi Doga Dining Chair in Menta, designed for both comfort and aesthetic appeal.
Of course, for customers who want to relax more, the Doga Relax Chair makes it easier to lean in and recline, making it a perfect choice for soaking up the sun and enjoying a coffee with friends. Both chairs are available in Menta – perfect for the hues of this ocean-side venue, and for any other restaurant chair or cafe chair.  

Alongside those, the Net Chair is similar to the dining chair but adds visual interest by offering variety. It has a clean, modern, elegant appearance and has been used predominantly in the cocktail bar to help create distinctive areas and spatial divisions. Together, these pieces have transformed The Merewether Surfhouse's design, offering comfort and aesthetics that perfectly complement the surrounding natural beauty.  

However, Remarkable Outdoor Living hasn't stopped at the Nardi range and can furnish restaurants, hotels, bars, and spas with a whole selection of commercial-grade cafe furniture. For example, the Couture Jardin range offers a superb selection and a 5-year warranty.

How Merewether Surfhouse Used Thoughtful Design to Elevate Beachfront Dining

Recent renovations have transformed The Merewether Surfhouse, and all efforts have been made to create a space that is cohesive, calm, and beautiful. Particular attention was given to the blend of colours; for example, the tiles make use of warm beige notes, reflecting the nearby sands and creating a soft ambience. Manager Kaori said, “Being right on the ocean, you do need a bit of a refresh” and Remarkable Outdoor Living aimed to be a key part of that refresh.

Blending Natural Colours into the Venue Design

The furnishing colours had to be considered with great care, mirroring the natural hues surrounding the cafe; we see menta, white, and soft pink. Each of these notes creates a harmonious connection between the cafe and its surroundings, ensuring that the tranquillity of the ocean and beach are reflected in the cafe itself. Deep pink hues add a touch of elegance and reflect the richness of a bold sun setting over the shoreline. This has all been done with great intention, with the goal of creating an

“atmosphere that is very airy and open. When designing the spaces, we wanted to create a seamless indoor to-outdoor experience that feels very welcoming and natural, connecting to the nature we’re surrounded by.”

A restaurant setting at The Merewether Surfhouse with neatly arranged tables featuring yellow glasses. Two women in sunglasses sit by a window overlooking the ocean, engaged in conversation.
An elegant restaurant-style dining arrangement at The Merewether Surfhouse, highlights the versatility of the venue and its offerings.

Nardi furniture perfectly complements this goal; it’s got a wide selection of colour choices, giving The Merewether Surfhouse more flexibility to continue its aesthetic. With soft neutral whites for sophisticated, wedding-appropriate designs and delicate coastal hues, this furniture line made it easy to maintain the beachfront vibe throughout the restaurant.

This really fitted with the restaurant’s idea that, “Colour is so important. When you transition from the outdoor area of the café to the indoor, you’ll notice that it’s a lot darker, and it creates quite an intimate setting with the use of the tiles we’ve selected and marble countertops.”
Three people enjoy drinks on the outdoor terrace at The Merewether Surfhouse, seated on green Nardi Doga Dining Chairs. The ocean view and glass railing enhance the relaxed, modern setting.
A stylish cocktail setting at The Merewether Surfhouse, incorporating the Nardi Doga Dining Chair in Menta for a sophisticated yet relaxed vibe.

That approach was combined with a sleek design to create a refined atmosphere, without imposing formality on the space. With minimalist silhouettes, the furniture does nothing to interfere with the stunning views but instead enhances the whole space and complements the natural surroundings.

As Kaori mentioned,“And then outdoor is really reflective of nature, you’ve got the water right there and the greenery from the plants and the hues of pink when the sun sets.”

An open-air bar area at The Merewether Surfhouse, overlooking the ocean. Soft pink Nardi Trill bar stools line the counter, with seating areas in the background where people enjoy the view.
A vibrant outdoor bar area at The Merewether Surfhouse, Newcastle, NSW, featuring Nardi Trill bar stools in soft pink. The stools’ minimalist design adds a touch of elegance and comfort to the stylish, open-air venue.

Functionality and Practicality in Seating Choices

At the same time, attention was given to the functionality of the furniture; Nardi furniture is crafted using polypropylene, meaning it’s both strong and lightweight. This makes changing seating layouts easy and ensures the space can always be set up to precisely cater to its user's needs. A good cafe chair should be easy to move, and Nardi delivers. 

Kaori commented, “Indoors, we really want our customers to transition into a calm feeling. We like everything to flow from one space to the other, but we also want to define that space as well by sectioning areas with dividers, plants and different furniture pieces and colours.”

Stackability, Adaptability, and Easy Maintenance

The furniture can easily be stacked, making cleaning easier, and allowing for adaptability and seasonal adjustments. This fitted with Kaori’s goals, including the statements that,

“It’s especially important that we chose chairs that were stackable, particularly for our staff who are packing them away and carrying them inside when we close up of a nighttime” and “it is important that the chairs and tables are lightweight to allow our customers to pull them together to cater for larger groups; it’s very easy to do.”

Durability and Weather Resistance for a Coastal Environment

Furthermore, thought needed to be put into the furniture’s longevity.

Kaori said, “Well, the furniture needs to withstand all the elements that come with being on the beach and the ocean. We're exposed to the sun, the wind and the harsh UV, and that can be quite damaging, so you need something that’s durable and that can withstand everything this area throws at you.” 

Fortunately, the Nardi furniture range is UV and weather-resistant, recognising that a beachfront location like The Merewether Surfhouse is going to constantly be exposed to salt, sun, and wind – so the furniture must be able to stand up to the task. It will retain its structural integrity for years, remaining resistant to salt damage and keeping its attractive hues. According to Kaori, this was a huge factor in selecting the Nardi furniture: “The furniture being UV stabilised was really important for us because we’ve chosen these colours that we really love to match our design choice in the way that they reflect nature and our surroundings, and we’ve chosen these colours to be timeless so we need something that isn’t going to fade over time, ensuring our designs stay the same.”

A close-up of Nardi Doga chairs in a muted green shade, set around outdoor dining tables at The Merewether Surfhouse, overlooking the ocean.
A close-up view of Nardi Doga chairs in Menta colour arranged at an outdoor dining space at The Merewether Surfhouse, Newcastle, NSW. The sleek, durable design complements the venue’s modern coastal aesthetic.

After all, there’s no point in choosing beautiful colours if they are going to be faded from the sun and the salt in just a few short months! 

Of course, weather resistance is far from the only element: the wind has been a huge factor too. Kaori noted, “Our old furniture would be picked up by the wind and blow down the street, but it would also have metal bolts and screws which would rust and break down really easily.”  

Nardi furniture doesn’t incorporate any bolts or screws, and is also designed to deal with the problems posed by the wind, ensuring that although the furnishings are light enough to be moved, they won’t blow away…

“The chairs are lightweight, yet sturdy enough so that the wind can pass through it without the furniture being blown away. Which is perfect because I don’t need to run down the street after them.” Furthermore, Kaori said, These chairs are great because they're just one piece, so there’s no room for rusting or breakages. They move with the weight when you sit on them while being lightweight and sturdy.”

Low Maintenance and Longevity for Hospitality Venues

Nardi furniture is also very low maintenance; its lack of wood or bolts means that upkeep is minimal. It can be wiped down to remove spills and stains, and it is resistant to moisture and mildew, as well as scratches. This allows The Merewether Surfhouse to maintain a busy atmosphere without staff getting overwhelmed and ensures the venue looks pristine at all times.

Kaori also mentioned, “We are a very high-traffic area, and we cater to a lot of children, so it can get a bit messy, and it’s important that we factored that in when designing the space. It was important that we selected something that is really easy to clean, and with these chairs, any stains just come right off. It’s really nice to now be able to pick up a coffee mug and be able to wipe it down without leaving any residue” 

The durability also reduces the burden of maintenance costs and replacements; Nardi furniture is designed to look great even with heavy use. Indeed, the Nardi Doga Chairs have been weight tested up to 160kg and come with a 2-year warranty. They make an ideal cafe chair in a range of settings. 

Overall, therefore, Remarkable Outdoor Living provided The Merewether Surfhouse with solutions to their every problem, ranging from the practical to the aesthetic, and offering furniture that will last for years, helping this Newcastle lunch restaurant look amazing for a long time to come.

Exploring the Offerings of Merewether Surfhouse: From Casual Café Vibes to High-End Function Spaces.

With three levels, Merewether Surfhouse is capable of meeting almost every need its clientele could possibly have, whether they are looking for a cosy seaside breakfast with a loved one, or celebrating the most special day of their lives in the form of an ocean-view wedding. The three levels offer a seamless blend of casual and high-end hospitality, allowing guests to transition effortlessly into the appropriate space for their needs: 

“We are a three-level venue, offering anywhere from quick coffee catch-ups to special occasions, anything from very casual to very memorable experiences. We cater to everyone!” 

Outdoor dining area at The Merewether Surfhouse with Nardi Doga chairs in a muted green shade. A black dog sits near a diner, surrounded by people enjoying the open-air setting by the coast.
A vibrant outdoor bar area at The Merewether Surfhouse, Newcastle, NSW, featuring Nardi Trill bar stools in soft pink. The stools’ minimalist design adds a touch of elegance and comfort to the stylish, open-air venue.

The ground level houses the Café & Beach Bar, and is the most laid-back floor. It combines the best of the indoor and outdoor worlds, helping visitors feel at one with the gorgeous scenery and enjoy a truly memorable coastal dining experience. The ocean views are breathtaking; the seaside walks are delightful, and the food and coffee perfectly complement the scene. 

Moving up a floor, we find the function space – a flexible, adaptable area that can be transformed for almost any event, and may be split into three unique sections. If you’re planning on hosting a large gathering, its 250+ capacity will more than suffice, and it also has multiple bars so guests can enjoy a high-end drink. Wrapped in panoramic sea views, it’s a stunning example of just how beautiful a venue can be. 

If you’re looking for something memorable, you’ll have found it here, especially according to Kaori, who says: 

“What makes The Merewether Surfhouse Special is the memories created here because we do a lot of weddings and engagement parties and anniversaries. Very special events so there’s lots of stories that have been made here.” 

Finally, on the rooftop, we find a magical cocktail bar & restaurant. In Kaori’s eyes, 

“Setting up on the rooftop deck with an afternoon sprit is the perfect way to end the day. I’ll often spot pods of dolphins and even a whale. It’s really quite special.” 

Two older women toast with sparkling wine at The Merewether Surfhouse, Newcastle, NSW. They sit on white Nardi Net Outdoor Dining Armchairs, smiling over a plate of crackers and cheese. Orange umbrellas and glass railings frame the background.
A relaxing outdoor dining experience at The Merewether Surfhouse, Newcastle, NSW, featuring Nardi Net Dining Chairs, offering the perfect spot to enjoy good company, light refreshments, and ocean views.

An upscale but enormously inviting space, it overlooks the ocean and beach, and you couldn’t wish for a more romantic setting when you're selecting the best restaurant in Newcastle. Imagine looking out across the undulating waters, sipping a glass of something cold while watching the sun go down, or even spotting a dolphin cresting over the waves. The tantalising smell of salt and that delightful crash of water on the sand... You couldn’t ask for more! As the manager says, 

“Our view really is unmatched; we have panoramic views all the way across the beach, so you really see the aspect from sunrise to sunset and everything else in between. It’s really special.” 

Advice for Hospitality Venues: Designing for Durability and Style

There's no question that the Merewether offers everything visitors could want, from casual coffee to high-class cocktails to weddings to business meals, and it's easy to book a table at the Merewether for any event; it's the perfect Newcastle restaurant on the water. You can also reach out to Remarkable Outdoor Living to learn more about their commercial offerings and hospitality furniture. Whether it's chairs and tables for coffee shops, outdoor cafe furniture, the perfect restaurant chair, or something else, you'll find something that suits your business. 

At The Merewether Surfhouse, a cafe worker in motion wears a white shirt and a navy apron. Green Nardi Doga Dining Chairs in Menta are arranged around tables in the bright, modern space.
A welcoming dining space at The Merewether Surfhouse, featuring a cafe worker in motion and Nardi Doga Dining Chairs in Menta, creating a fresh and modern coastal atmosphere.
Having worked with Remarkable Outdoor Living extensively, Kaori said, 

“My suggestion to other hospitality businesses would be to invest in quality from the start. Outdoor furniture in a high-traffic space like a hospitality venue isn’t just about looksit’s about longevity and practicality. Choosing materials that are durable, weather-resistant, and easy to maintain will save time, money, and hassle in the long run.” 

The collaboration has transformed the Merewether Surfhouse in a myriad of ways, breathing new life into its aesthetics, but also increasing its practicality and reducing the workload for staff in terms of cleaning and maintenance. Kaori also points out the importance of thinking about budget and choosing furniture that will last, even in high-use commercial environments or harsh weather conditions like alongside oceans. Remarkable Outdoor Living worked hard to fit the bill, garnering the following praise: 

“Yes, I would absolutely recommend Remarkable Outdoor Living. Their design, durability, quality and service have been amazing. I absolutely love how the products work in all of our different spaces.” 

So, no more wondering, "What is there to do in Newcastle Australia?" You've got your answer  

FAQ

What does the Merewether Surfhouse Have to Offer?

On the ground floor, visitors will be met by an amalgamation of the indoors and outdoors, with Will & Co roastery coffee combining an elegant and refined cafe experience with breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and coastline. It’s perfect for beach-goers and coastal strolls. 

On level one, we find a function space with three reconfigurable areas, particularly well suited to beachside weddings. With space for over 250 guests, a dedicated kitchen, and several bars, it’s ideal for any function., Finally, level two offers a rooftop cocktail bar, again combining the best of indoors and outdoors, alongside an up-market sea-view restaurant. Whether it’s a romantic date night, a business dinner meeting, or a birthday celebration, this is the ideal space for a variety of occasions. 

The Merewether Surfhouse, a modern glass-fronted building, overlooks the beach and ocean. People inside enjoy the coastal view, with cliffs, houses, and a winding road in the background.
The Merewether Surfhouse, a modern glass-fronted venue overlooking Merewether Beach in Newcastle. The building's sleek architecture and ocean-facing design provide breathtaking coastal views.

Looking for beachside cafe suggestions in Newcastle?

If you're wondering what to visit in Newcastle, The Merewether Surfhouse is unquestionably one of the popular beachside cafe picks – as you can see from Reddit, with comments like: 

“Head to Merewether Beach and the surf house cafe.” 

Absolutely spectacular view! The service was friendly and fast, the drinks were well made and the food was delicious.” 

Have visited multiple times in the last 18 months and never been disappointed.” 

Great service. Great views. Great food. Great prices. What else do you want?? Been here multiple times and will go back many more.”

A collage of Tripadvisor reviews for The Merewether Surfhouse, highlighting its great views, delicious food, and enjoyable atmosphere. Reviewers praise the ocean scenery, friendly service, and tasty meals, recommending it for a visit.
A collection of Tripadvisor reviews highlighting The Merewether Surfhouse’s exceptional ocean views, delicious food, and inviting atmosphere, with diners praising both casual beachside bites and refined dining experiences.

Many have been thrilled with the Merewether Surfhouseas an ideal beachside spot to sit, sip, and enjoy the food and the ocean view.

What’s the perfect date spot in Newcastle, NSW?

What about those trying to pick the ideal date spot? The ultimate place to sit back, watch the waves roll, and enjoy the atmosphere with that special someone? Well, the Merewether Surfhouse ticks that box too. Folks on Reddit have again shown great enthusiasm in their comments when suggesting the perfect date night location. 

Merewether Surfhouse has a nice view.” 

“Great food, atmosphere & service. Shared entrees and picked our own mains” 

Quality food and wines along with professional friendly staff. Highly recommend on any visit to Newcastle. Has the wow factor no doubt!” 

If a romantic evening is on your mind, you need look no further! Set up on the rooftop deck to enjoy a spritz with a view of the waves before heading inside to dive over the famous Merewether Baths and enjoy a memorable experience together. 

A man and woman dine outdoors at The Merewether Surfhouse, seated on green Nardi Doga Dining Chairs. The woman gestures while the man looks at his phone, with a glass railing and coastal scenery behind them.
A dinner date at The Merewether Surfhouse features Doga Dining Armchairs in Menta, where a couple enjoys drinks and conversation while taking in the coastal views, highlighting the venue’s stylish and comfortable outdoor seating.

Looking for a Newcastle restaurant on the water?

The ocean is one of the greatest allures of this area, so it stands to reason you’d want an amazing restaurant that makes the most of it to ensconce yourself in. TripAdvisor’s reviews explain exactly why this should be your top pick! 

Everyone said the tastes were superb and the steak and chicken went so far as to say best dishes of chicken and steak they had tasted.” 

This place is a gem - we will be back” 

Great service from the bar and restaurant staff. The food was superb.” 

The view is obviously amazing and the food and service matched it also.”  

Whether it’s atmosphere, spectacular panoramic views, incredible service, or delectable meals, the Merewether Surfhouse ticks every box! No more wondering what to visit in Newcastle; this should be at the top of your to-do list.

Where can I have business meetings in Newcastle?

You might think that when it comes to business, everything needs to be serious and solemn… but the Merewether Surfhouse fits the bill here too. Because off-peak offers quiet and calm, it can meet a whole range of business needs, and there’s nothing like a meal in this kind of setting while you’re hammering out important deals. Reviews have been glowing:  

The third level restaurant area is perfect for special occasions, birthdays, anniversary dinners and even business meetings 

They have free wifi too” 


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