Brighton's Esplanade Hotel reopens after $11.5 million redevelopment
Brighton's Esplanade Hotel, known locally as the Espy, has reopened opposite Brighton Beach jetty following an $11.5 million redevelopment and almost a year of renovations.
According to Glam Adelaide it’s the venue's biggest overhaul in 17 years.
The century-old hotel, operated by ALH, has been reworked into three distinct spaces: the Cru Room, a main bistro and bar; the Après Lounge, a calmer setting for drinks and long catch-ups; and the Pier Bar, an alfresco area facing the water for cocktails, spritzes and casual dining at sunset. Live entertainment, spanning vinyl DJs to local bands, will run from Thursday through Sunday.
In the kitchen, UK chef Daniel Johnston is leading a coastal-focused menu built around local seafood, alongside pub staples. As Johnston put it: "Still with plenty of approachable dishes that you would expect to see in any pub … parmies, schnitzels steaks, burgers and pizzas."
The redevelopment has also introduced accommodation to the venue for the first time, with Nightcap at Esplanade Hotel offering 26 rooms, including two beachfront suites with smart TVs and room service, catering to both business travellers and holidaymakers.
ALH State Manager Sarah Evans told Glam Adelaide the hotel's location was central to the relaunch: "We are lucky enough to have views that money can't buy right on our doorstep." She added the venue was designed with longevity in mind: "What excites us is that new generations of people are going to come to the Espy and create memories."
Evans said early feedback from locals had been positive: "There's a lot of 'wow' and 'this is beautiful.'" She added:
"We're quite biased … but it's good to have that affirmed by the people we've actually done this redevelopment for." The team reportedly served around 300 coffees on opening morning alone.
Despite the scale of the redevelopment, the Espy retains its role as Brighton's neighbourhood local, offering everything from post-beach coffees to family lunches and after-work drinks.
Esplanade Hotel is located at 135 Esplanade, Brighton, and is open now.
Jonathan Jackson, 15th September 2026
