Influenced by Hayley Sing

It is no secret that the Central Coast has played second fiddle to Sydney when it comes to the region’s hospitality scene, but in recent years the Central Coast has upped the ante on the dining front. We sat down with publicist, content creator and all-round fashionable it-girl, Hayley Sing, to find out the best places to dine. There is no denying it’s an exciting time to be a foodie right here on the Central Coast.

TELL ME A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?
I was born and raised on the Central Coast of New South Wales. I attended St Joseph’s College, before moving to Sydney at the age of 21. In Sydney, I enjoyed meeting new people and experiencing the city life, while working on my career and PR skills. When I was 29, I moved back to the Central Coast to start a family. I now have a son who is almost 4 years old. I am the owner of Vine Public Relations, a PR agency on the Central Coast.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT LIVING ON THE COAST?
I absolutely love the community here. The people are very warm and welcoming – everyone says hello and has a chat. I love the waterways – the choices of surf beaches, bays, ocean pools, lagoons and more. We are so lucky to live along the Coastline and be surrounded by national parks.

YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL HOT SPOTS THAT TOURISTS MAY NOT KNOW?
Absolutely – I have so many I could suggest. The Entrance Social Club up the north end, offers a stunning aesthetic interior of textures and soft tones. It has multiple seating options for guests, including a beer garden that showcases live music and a roof top that opens and closes, allowing for sunshine or protection from the rain. It also has the coolest sports bar on the Central Coast, as well as swinging seats, an adults-only section, and a dog- friendly patio. Throughout Summer Rhonda’s Pizza Bar in Terrigal hosts bottomless lunches in their upstairs area. Offering an assortment of pizzas and pastas, with 90 minutes of flowing house beers, wines and Margarita’s. Bar Botanica is a hidden gem- located at Erina Heights, offering a Tuscan vibe with a resident cocktail bar set amongst lush gardens, serving a range of culinary and beverage delights, accompanied by a gin tasting distillery bar. It’s open Wednesday through to Saturday for brunch, lunch and afternoon relaxo’s. On Saturday and Sunday they have live jazz in the garden from 2pm. It’s the perfect setting for the kids to roam and the folks to soak up the afternoon sun and surroundings. Alternatively, a date spot, or a much needed girls catch up.

Above: Bar Botanica, Erina

BEST SUGGESTIONS FOR A SPECIAL DINNER DATE OR CELEBRATION?
My all-time two favourite restaurants are Arc Est and Yellowtail in Terrigal. Both are intimate, with dim mood lighting that sets the tone. Yellowtail offers an Asian-infused seafood menu, while Arc Est offers a tantalising modern Australian menu.

BRUNCH WITH THE GIRLS?
Kew Dining at Erina Heights is a relaxed and stylish venue with an enclosed terrace. Surrounded by trees and a sense of calm serenity, Kew Dining’s brunch is one of my all-time favourites. The food options are unique and classic, with a touch of creativity. Local produce is used, such as pesto garnishes and rolled omelettes. There is even the option of a high tea, decorated with traditional China and crystalware, making it the perfect touch for a feminine get-together.

Above: Kew Dining, Erina Heights

BEST FAMILY FRIENDLY VENUES? There are so many to name on the Coast. Many of the pubs and clubs offer an open area for kids to play and/or a playground too! One that comes to mind is the Avoca Bowling Club. They have a huge kids play area and a dedicated lawn area for the kids to run around or kick the soccer ball. The Shelly Beach Golf Club is a fantastic family friendly venue too! Huge grass hills overlooking Shelly Beach. It’s the perfect place for a late lunch with the whole family to watch the sunset, children play on the big grassy areas and picnic tables. There is an inside dining area that has great classic food options and a view of the ocean and golf course, as well as pool tables and a games room downstairs. This venue caters for everyone.

LUNCH WITH A VIEW?
Lunch with a view would be Saddles at Mt White. Set on 28 acres of sprawling bush land and sitting on the edge of a beautiful dam, the restaurant really highlights the Australian landscape. The seasonal menu is wholesome, simple yet elegant and carefully curated to showcase Australian cuisine. The restaurant bakes in-house sourdough and pastries, including a unique take on the Australian classics, the meat pie and sausage roll. The Boathouse Patonga. At the southern end of the Central Coast, Patonga is a fishing village surrounded by bushland and Brisbane Waters. The restaurant’s view is of the ocean and the backdrop of Palm Beach. It’s a stunning view with many locals on the jetty fishing. The menu consists of seafood platters, buckets of prawns and sharing pizzas.

Above: Saddles at Mount White