Pasadena at Church Point, Sydney: Historic jewel of waterfront reborn as boutique hotel and restaurant

The Sydney waterfront jewel known as Pasadena has survived multiple fortune changes since opening at Church Point on Pittwater during the Great Depression, ranging from glamorous to inglorious.

Ironically, a decade ago the council wanted to demolish what began as an escape for motoring enthusiasts - for a carpark. When that failed, some locals took legal action against new owner Paul Peterkin's plans to turn a long-derelict site into a 160-seater destination restaurant and boutique accommodation.

One of those affected included Heidi Flanagan, the Sydney-born, internationally trained chef Peterkin chose to relaunch Pasadena. Frustrated, Flanagan resumed her culinary travels (executive chef of luxury properties in London, Bali and the Turks and Caicos Islands) to launch the Origin Grill + Bar at Shangri-La Singapore. Now in place as Pasadena's executive chef, Flanagan was due to launch her Mediterranean-style menu this week. Then came Sydney's lockdown, meaning guests will just have to whet their appetite for signature dishes such as King Yamba prawns with white miso butter.

But, as Peterkin points out, Pasadena has always been much more than a restaurant. "We're a destination," he says. "It's been a dancehall, a bolt hole for celebrities, a general store for locals. People don't just come here for lunch. They come to experience the best of Pittwater."

The original Spanish Revival-style Pasadena Roadhouse opened in 1935, containing a post office, petrol station and boat shed. During World War II, it became a training base for Australian troops. In 1963, the ballroom was turned into motel rooms as the so-called "Grand Dame of Pittwater" was renamed Pasadena Motor Lodge.

Today's Pasadena Sydney has 14 modern rooms, many with Pittwater views over towards Scotland Island, including the waterfront king room. Pasadena Sydney, Church Point rooms cost from $199 a night. See pasadenasydney.com