From Fairway to Fine Dining: The Mona Social Elevates Golf Club Experience

The Boathouse Group recently unveiled its latest venture, The Mona Social. Located on the scenic grounds of The Mona Vale Golf Club, this sophisticated addition to the group’s venue portfolio has elevated social experiences through its a la carte bistro restaurant, connected to a casual bar with sports viewing areas, pool tables, in-house golf simulator, and tap beer.


Read: Sweeping Sights in Store at New Mona Vale Golf Club Venue


Antony Jones, CEO of The Boathouse Group, described the venue as “Boathouse meets country club.” Visitors walked in and immediately recognized it as a Boathouse venue through its quintessential abundance of beautiful interiors. However, rather than a coastal theme, it featured an inviting country feel with warm timber tones and lush greenery.

Mr Jones highlighted the incredible location, saying, “When we first walked into the space, we were blown away by how iconic the location and outlook is. We’re thrilled to have provided locals and visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy this venue as it was intended, for socialising with friends and family over a drink or a meal.”

Photo credit: The Mona Social/Google Maps

The venue, situated above the golf club’s headquarters and separate from the club, complemented the golfing experience. 

Andy Hugill, the club’s General Manager, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to have the team from The Boathouse Group launch this brand-new venue concept above our clubhouse. It has brought a whole new dimension to Mona Vale hospitality options, along with our newly renovated clubhouse and cafe.”

Mona Social
Mark LaBrooy, the Head of Culinary at The Boathouse Group and Cameron Johnston, the Head Chef at The Mona Social (Photo credit: The Mona Social/Facebook)

The Boathouse Group Head of Culinary, Mark LaBrooy, along with Head Chef Cameron Johnston (formerly of Bathers Pavilion & Peterman), developed a menu that reinvented classic bistro staples. 

Photo credit: The Mona Social/Facebook

Mr LaBrooy stated, “We had a lot of fun building menus fit for the fast-paced style of service. From paying homage to the ocean surrounds to infusing a contemporary twist, we strived to strike a balance that is both sophisticated and accessible with our two dining formats.”

The bistro menu featured highlights such as venison tartare with a zesty kick of horseradish, octopus or beef tongue skewer, chargrilled prawns, and garlic and kombu mussels. Larger dishes included modern favourites like red wine braised beef cheek served with Jerusalem artichoke chips, lamb rump, and crispy skin chicken. Dessert options featured indulgent classics such as creme caramel, lemon tart, and a hot fudge sundae.

Mona Social
Photo credit: Nicola Burdan/Google Maps

Bar visitors enjoyed a sharp food menu, including the Mona Social club sandwich and a classic cheeseburger. For a modern twist on bar food, options like an anchovy crumpet or an eel and pork terrine were available.

The drinks offering was designed around long lunches, with a bright cocktail menu featuring classics like mojitos and specialty creations such as the signature ‘Caddy Issues’, a mix between a cosmopolitan and a sea breeze, and the ‘On the Green’ with kiwifruit, gin, and Japanese melon. 

The wine list focused on emerging Australian winemakers and classic regions, with Chablis and German Riesling available to enjoy course side. Tap beer was a highlight, with a collaboration with 4-Pines called ‘The Swingers Lager’ featured at launch. A carefully selected list of Scottish whiskies was also available.


Read: Mona Vale Embraces Sustainable Practices: Johnson Brothers Hardware Leads the Way


The Mona Social is open for lunch and dinner, and is catering to all occasions in between. Visit their website for more details.

Published 31-July-2024

Sweeping Sights in Store at New Mona Vale Golf Club Venue

Did you know that a stylish, new venue is being developed at the top floor of the Mona Vale Golf Club, promising panoramic views of the golf course and nearby Warriewood beaches?


Read: What’s On Mona Vale Golf Club


The prime location caught the eye of The Boathouse Group, the hospitality group behind the upcoming project. According to initial details, the space will channel a cosy, inviting country club atmosphere with warm wood tones and abundant greenery. 

Whilst a food and drink menu is still in progress, the venue will be open to both club members and the general public for social gatherings.

Mona vale golf club
Photo credit: Gian Francisco/Google Maps 

They want to give people a place to enjoy time with friends and family over drinks or a meal with this incredible backdrop.

Photo credit: Kyungmin Choi/Google Maps 

The Mona Vale venue marks part of The Boathouse Group’s strategic growth efforts to build out its portfolio of waterfront cafes and restaurants over the next five years, not just within NSW but into additional states, with the ultimate goal of doubling total revenue. 

The group recently partnered with North Wollongong Surf Club to develop their upstairs space into a 200-plus seat restaurant, securing the location through a competitive tender process to further expand their footprint outside Sydney.


Read: The Basin Dining Room Now Open at Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club


Fresh off the hiring of celebrity chef Mark LaBrooy for their forthcoming North Wollongong outpost, the group saw the open layout and iconic views as a chance to bring their signature coastal aesthetic to the world of golf.

The Boathouse Group, founded in 2008 by Andrew and Pip Goldsmith, was rescued from collapse in 2019 by a syndicate including the Isaac brothers, Andrew Robb and family, and the Sorensens. Jones and Ben Isaac now look to purchase the Sorensen majority stake, making Jones a minority shareholder. 

Published 4-March-2024