After nearly a year behind the construction fence, Ballina’s beloved Shaws Bay Hotel has reopened with an awesome new look – and locals say it was worth the wait.

The iconic waterfront venue, affectionately known as “the Shawsy,” officially welcomed patrons back on Saturday morning.  By time Ballina News Daily visited, it was already filling up with people eager to get their first look.

Among the first through the doors was former licensee Nev Hayter, whose family owned the pub from 1996 until its 2022 sale.

“This is brilliant – what they’ve done with the place is fantastic,” Mr Hayter said, enjoying a cold beer on the lawn with a group of long-time regulars.

 “They’ve made the most of every nook and cranny. The workmanship and quality are top notch.”

Mr Hayter admitted his family had considered redeveloping the pub themselves but knew the scope of works required deep pockets. “It needed a lot of money – money we just didn’t have,” he said. “But seeing it now, I’m so pleased. It’s what Ballina needed.”

A Family Legacy Reimagined

The man behind the transformation is Col Parras, a third-generation publican from Sydney whose family has been in the hotel business for 50 years.

“I grew up in a pub – the Victoria Hotel in Marrickville, which is now part of the Merivale group,” Mr Parras said.

 “This is my first coastal pub, and I honestly think it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”

Col and his wife Tina discovered the Shaws Bay Hotel during the COVID lockdowns of 2021. They bought the pub – and neighbouring historic Fenwick House – on February 1 2022, the day  the flood disaster hit the region.

“It’s been a tough journey from day one, but we saw something special in this place – a rough diamond that just needed a polish,” Mr Parras said.

“Our goal was to create something iconic and lasting – not just for visitors but for the local community.”

Tight lipped on the final cost of the project, Col said it certainly ran over the expected budget.  The transformation is rumoured to have cost more than $10 million, and every dollar shows – from the polished interiors and sweeping waterfront decks to the curated food offerings and sophisticated layout.

Top-Tier Food, Coastal Charm 

Food is a key focus of the new-look Shawsy. Renowned chef Justin North, of three-hat Sydney restaurant Bécasse fame, was brought on board to design the menu.  A specialist Italian pizza team was flown in from Melbourne to craft artisan pizzas from scratch.

“We wanted to be known not just for great views but also for amazing food,” Mr Parras said.

“There’s a real science to pizza-making. And we’re proud to offer something that’s as much about quality as it is atmosphere.”

Inside, the venue features multiple distinct spaces – from a family-friendly beer garden to a chic public bar dubbed “The Front Yard” and stylish dining areas that still feel welcoming.

Outside, locals were already declaring it “the best pub on the North Coast.”

Best of all, the Shaws Bay Hotel remains pet-friendly – with designated dog zones in the rear beer garden and front yard, so locals can still enjoy a schooner with their furry companions by the sea.

A New Chapter for a Local Favourite

With its open-air layout, capacity for 500 patrons, and premium food offering, the new Shaws Bay Hotel is already being hailed as a regional showpiece.

Locals are embracing it – not just as a place to eat and drink but as a community hub.

“This is a pub that belongs to the people of Ballina,” Mr Parras said. “It’s theirs. I want them to feel proud every time they walk through the doors.”

The Parras family also operates two Sydney venues – The El Toro Hotel in Liverpool and The Ambervale Hotel near Campbelltown – but Col says the Shawsy holds a unique place in his heart.

“Better late than never,” he laughs, when asked why it took him so long to discover the Northern Rivers. “We’re here now, and we’re all in.”

Plan Your Visit to the New Shaws Bay Hotel

The newly transformed Shaws Bay Hotel is now open daily, offering waterfront views, live music, and a menu packed with fresh local flavours.

Menu Highlights
🍕 Wood-fired pizzas from $23–$28
🥩 Steaks from $36–$95 (for the 800g rib eye), with sides
🍔 Pub classics like schnitzels and burgers from $23–$29
🦐 Local produce including three Ballina prawn dishes
🍝 Pasta favourites from $29–$37
👧 Kids’ meals just $14

Bookings recommended via the website.

Live entertainment including DJs and bands every week.

Trading Hours
Mon–Sat: 10am – 12am
Sun: 10am – 10pm

See you at the Shawsy!