Hotel Catalina lands at Lyall Bay - relaxed beachfront dining from breakfast to dusk
Lyall Bay’s newest waterfront venue ‘Hotel Catalina’ opens on Monday next week, bringing a relaxed beachfront dining experience to Lyall Bay – a place to come as you are, settle in, and enjoy the best of the bay.
Operating from the site of the former Spruce Goose, Hotel Catalina will be open from early morning until the sun goes down. On offer will be everything from coffee and breakfast, to long lunches, through to dinner and drinks in the evening.
Upstairs, the top-floor balcony offers front-row views of Lyall Bay and the Airport – perfect for lingering and watching the world go by.
The menu is designed for all-day enjoyment, with simple, well-executed food, great coffee and an easy-drinking selection of local beer and wines. Equally suited to a casual brunch or an evening drink by the beach.
The new venue will see Wellington hospitality legends Jamie Williams and Len Baldwin team up once more.
Jamie’s career has helped shape the capital’s dining and nightlife with a guest‑first, team‑driven approach. He is joined by fellow icon Len Baldwin – formerly chef at Plimmer House, Café Brava, Paradiso, and co‑founder of The Tasting Room.
Together, Jamie and Len have helped bring to life some of Wellington’s much‑loved dining spots, including Rosie’s Red Hot Cantina, Master Kong, Coene’s and Wolf. At Hotel Catalina, they’re bringing that same people‑first approach – combining thoughtful food, warm hospitality and a relaxed sense of place that feels right at home on the Lyall Bay waterfront.
“We can’t wait to open the doors and welcome people in. Our focus is on delivering an energetic, welcoming hospitality experience and standout food from morning through to night.”
The building is owned and leased by Wellington Airport. The airport’s Commercial General Manager Richard Dalby says:
“Lyall Bay is already one of Wellington’s great places to spend time, and Catalina adds another reason to visit. From the balcony to the extended evening hours, it’s designed to be enjoyed from morning through to dusk.
“It’s been a tough few weeks for Lyall Bay but we really encourage people to get out and support local businesses like Hotel Catalina and others in the area.”
The building housing Hotel Catalina has a storied aviation history. It was originally built in the 1930s as the first terminal at Wellington Airport, before being repurposed in 1959 as the Wellington Aero Club. In 2011, it was moved across the runway to its current site.
Wellington Airport is also planning a major redevelopment of the Lyall Bay waterfront precinct from the Leonie Gill pathway to the airport. This will include a surfers hub, play areas, viewing platforms, new plantings and improved accessibility.
Opening hours: 8am till late, seven days a week from Monday 2nd March
