Sydney icon Jonah’s turns 95 celebrating on Australia Day with VIP guests.
April 18, 2024
Jonah’s Restaurant and Boutique hotel has been an icon of Sydney’s Northern Beaches since it opened its doors in 1929. In 95 years, the suburbs of Whale Beach and Palm Beach have sprung up around it while Jonah’s continued to offer a destination for Sydneysiders and travelers from afar.
A rich history at Jonah’s starting with Constance Vidal, a British widow who travelled with her daughter to Australia. They saw the increased use of the motorcar and had the vision to build their roadhouse on the cliffs overlooking Whale Beach giving us the stunning, incomparable views that Jonah’s has today.
Moving from roadhouse to fine dining following the Second World War, Jonah’s has continued to welcome guests from all over the world including many celebrities, philanthropists, musicians, actors, and athletes to enjoy the exceptional quality cuisine and wine that gives Jonah’s such an incredible reputation in the industry.
Australia Day marks the 95th celebration of Jonah’s with many of its broader “family” attending including former Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove and Lady Cosgrove, World Surf Champion Layne Beachley and INXS member Kirk Pengilly, Les and Luisa Schirato of Vittoria Coffee. Also present were 9 Olympians, including 2 Olympic Champions, surrounded by some of Sydney’s leading business figures.
Guests enjoyed a luxurious seafood station with oysters, sashimi, lobster and King prawns, and an ‘Aussie BBQ’ with scallops, lamb cutlets, brisket and chicken. Not forgetting the Australian favourites, an ode to the chiko roll and lamingtons were devoured too.
Guests were entertained by the musical talents of Opera Maestro Lorenzo Rositano supported by Jonah’s very own Sophia Reynolds and the crowd joined in to sing the National Anthem and I am Australian.
The toast to Australia was given by Australian legendary author Thomas Keneally AO who spoke of his great honour to come to Jonah’s today describing it as a “Shangri La cast above the waves and communing with the clouds and drawing all the graces from both of them”. He shared his memories of visiting many times over the years including when for him it was “the place to celebrate the night of nights”, and of his intention to visit again regularly. He presented owner Peter Montgomery with a special edition of his work Schindler’s Ark (the Booker Prize winning novel that was turned into the movie Schindler’s List by Stephen Spielberg) as a gift for Jonah’s 95th birthday and called for God to “bless Australia and may it flourish”.
Jonah’s General Manager Niels Sluiman says “I am very proud of the Jonah’s we have worked so hard to present here today. Our team of wonderful Chef’s are continually producing some of the best food we have ever had here and our service team continue to focus on providing the best, personalised guest experience. This celebration not only lets us appreciate what a wonderful 95 years we have had but it allows us to set our sights on the goals we will achieve in the new year to come. Keep watching this space as our food and hotel experiences are going to be better and better as we reach towards a spectacular year of celebration for our 100th year.”
ABOUT JONAH’S
Jonah’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel was built in 1929 by widow Constance Vidal who had the foresight to build a roadhouse on top of the cliff overlooking Whale Beach. With spectacular views, comparable to none, Jonah’s offers a highly awarded restaurant and luxury boutique hotel. The restaurant offering a 3-course lunch or dinner with an abundance of fine dining quality cuisine. Pair this with a wine list of over 1600 labels, of which was awarded The Best Hotel Wine List in the World 2022 by The World of Fine Wine, an award winning, international magazine and website focused on the assessment of fine wine. An impressive achievement acknowledging Head Sommelier Georgina Larsson’s excellent work of curating a wine list like no other.
A place where the rich and famous have come to relax and enjoy for many years. Celebrities such as Sir Laurence Olivier, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Joan Collins, Mick Jagger, Bono, Queen, One Direction, Elle McPherson, Mick Jagger, Billy Connolly with Pamela Stephenson, Delta Goodrem, Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban, Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner, William Holden, Members of the Royal Family of England and of Monaco and so many more, have come to enjoy the delights of Jonah’s.
The luxurious hotel offers 11 rooms, each with its own private balcony offering 180° views of the Pacific Ocean and jacuzzi spa bath. With calming coastal styling, bespoke furniture, A.H. Beard King beds and a cliff top infinity pool, Jonah’s is the perfect place for fun and relaxation.
Jonah’s is an avid supporter of bringing visitors to the Northern Beaches, offering a base to explore our unique area. From experiencing sailing on the calm Pittwater, to discovering the many beaches and their ocean pools, exploring boutique shops including art galleries and book shops, to climbing the infamous smugglers track to visit the breathtaking Barrenjoey lighthouse. All located in the area surrounding Jonah’s.
Open Thursday through Sunday each week for lunch and dinner and hotel stays including breakfast.
