About The Mona

The Mona, a treasured institution of the Northern Beaches, is excited to announce its grand reopening this October. Under the stewardship of popular local Ben Hanson, the iconic pub, formerly known as The Old Rex Hotel, and more recently The Park House, will unveil a fresh look and renewed spirit while paying heartfelt tribute to its rich heritage. The venue, owned by Laundy Hotels, will officially embark on its new chapter as The Mona from Friday 4 October, with a series of exciting launch events planned for the upcoming Labour Day long weekend (Friday 4 – Monday 7 October).  

Since its debut as the Old Rex Hotel in 1925, The Mona has been a cornerstone of Northern Beaches culture renowned for its live music, great food and lively atmosphere. Evolving into The Mona in the 1980s, it was later rebranded as The Park House, following its acquisition by Arthur Laundy (and the Short Family) in 2014. Now, under Ben Hanson’s ownership, The Mona is set to reconnect with its roots as a quintessential local pub honouring its legacy while embracing a vibrant future. 

The revamped Courtyard delivers a vibrant dining experience with its dynamic indoor/outdoor space, perfect for lively get-togethers. Here, the new food menu, developed by Ben Hanson, in collaboration with Laundy Hotels’ Group Head Chefs, continues to offer good Aussie hospitality, serving your favourite pub classics, as well as elevated ‘surf and turf’-style mains, salads, share plates and tacos

The Beer Garden and Back Yard have both undergone a significant upgrade with new astro turf, shade sails, and the addition of the playground. The sprawling outdoor space now features an airstream with five beer taps, a deck for live music, and a 4x3 metre large screen TV for watching the best live sports.

The new playground features Moduplay custom-made equipment, including a 4-metre slippery dip, 3 sets of swings, and fun climbing structures.

Opening daily at 6am, Ben’s Bakery Café offers a convenient spot for commuters to grab a “B-Line Bite” – a coffee and pastry or croissant for just $10. It’s also a welcoming space for mothers' groups to enjoy coffee while their kids play in the adjacent playground. From midday, the café pivots into a pizzeria, serving delicious wood-fired pizzas from the Vesuvio pizza oven, including Roman-style pizzas

The Mona has been a staple of Northern Beaches culture for nearly a century. With its legacy of community spirit and a refreshed look, The Mona is ready to welcome back old friends and new visitors. Experience the perfect blend of tradition and modernity, all within a local pub run by a local favourite.