DOUBLE ACT

Following the success of Hotel Gosford’s relaunch in 2021, its sister pub The Lakes Hotel at The Entrance reopened recently, sporting a fresh new Coastie look and a flavour-packed menu.

There’s nothing like a proper local pub, especially when it’s owned and run by locals who have lived and worked in the area for decades. Look no further than Hotel Gosford and The Lakes Hotel – both are co-owned by the longestablished Harris and Narvo families and run by group manager Jordan Harris. Both hold a special place in their local communities – Hotel Gosford first opened in 1926 and The Lakes Hotel in 1941 – and both have recently reopened after undergoing spectacular facelifts.

Earlier this year, Hotel Gosford won ‘Best Regional Redevelopment’ at the prestigious AHA (Australian Hotels Association) NSW Awards of Excellence – testament to the Harris family's vision and the sterling work of Bergstrom Architects and Evolve Constructions. Together, they built on the hotel’s Art Deco heritage to create a contemporary venue that appeals to a wide range of regular customers and visitors – a stunning reimagination of the original Roaring Twenties establishment.

The Harris and Narvo team got together with Bergstrom Architects again to redesign The Lakes Hotel, drawing inspiration from the region’s much-loved beach culture and the venue’s original 1940s architecture. Today, the hotel’s fresh, contemporary décor, spectacular new bar and laid-back beachy vibe make it the Coastie place to go to catch up with friends and family for a casual drink, live music and all the sporting action you could desire on the mega-screen in the Sports Bar.

And just as Hotel Gosford’s fabulous food from the team at Earl’s Kitchen is winning accolades, newly appointed executive chef Paul Thornton is working his magic at The Lakes. Named Regional Chef of the Year for his role as head chef at Newcastle’s Hotel Jesmond (another member of the Harris and Narvo group), Paul’s flavour-packed menu offers a variety of authentic pub-style meals served with a twist. Think Aussie classics, juicy burgers and fresh, cold seafood, along with plenty of tasty bar snacks and share plates. The two sister hotels also offer accommodation – perfect for a top-value weekend stay by the beach or in the city. Check out what’s happening at Hotel Gosford at hotelgosford.com.au and The Lakes Hotel at thelakeshotel.com.au.

Meet Jordan Harris

Jordan was literally born in a pub (his parents are Peter and Jane Harris, who bought their first hotel in 1978) and he is the driving force behind the redevelopment of Hotel Gosford and The Lakes Hotel. Although he didn’t originally intend to get involved in hospitality, after going to uni, travelling, and working with the Merivale group for a few years, he couldn’t resist the draw of the Coast and joined the family business some 20 years ago.

“I have found my niche in restoring our historic pubs,” Jordan says. “Hotel Gosford and The Lakes Hotel are both beautiful old buildings and rather than making sterile, cookie-cutter new venues, I wanted to restore their wonderful heritage values while at the same time creating new and interesting spaces.”

Jordan, his wife and three young children live in North Avoca. “It’s been amazing to see the changes over the past few years,” he says. “We love the beach lifestyle, the kids are totally involved in soccer, basketball and Nippers, but we did miss Sydney for a while. However, the hospitality scene has changed enormously and it’s fantastic to see more sophisticated venues and great operators in the area.”