A historic military site with one of Newcastle's best views will formally open to the public today after a $1.8 million refurbishment.
The heritage cottage at Shepherds Hill atop King Edward Park, formerly a Defence building, has been transformed into a cafe with one of the best views in the city.
Eddie's at Shepherds Hill will be operated by Noah Leonard and Blake Gontier, a duo quickly making a name for themselves in the Hunter's hospitality scene.
Mr Leonard said they were excited to be finally opening the doors after two years of planning and effort behind the scenes.
"Alongside More Atelier, we've put a lot of work into creating a venue that respects the history of the site while giving locals and visitors somewhere great toe eat, relax, and enjoy one of Newcastle's most iconic locations," he said.
"We hope Eddie's becomes a place people love to visit."
The pair said they heard about the tender for the cafe through a family group chat.
"They just said we should take on this. We were not too sure at first but we applied for it and were accepted," Mr Gontier said.
"That's when we really started getting excited.
The pair bring experience from popular Hunter Valley venues Arthur's Pantry, Mr O Wholefoods and Ronnie's Pokolbin.
"Eddie's is a great opportunity to build on our offerings in the Hunter. We didn't want to just stick with the couple of venues that we have. We still want to grow and this was the perfect venue."
They said the new venue gave them more opportunity to explore their style and creativity.
"We're loving the menu, it is European inspired but also stays true to the favourite of Australian cafe culture with a bit of fusion as well," Mr Gontier said.
"We feel the pressure but we are not nervous.
"I think we are just excited, it's a beautiful location.
"We are really excited to show what we can bring to Newcastle."
The opening of the café on Wednesday will mark a full circle moment for the 1890s-built former military mess hall following its $1.8 million restoration by City of Newcastle, which was supported by a $465,000 grant from the NSW government's Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.
Newcastle lord mayor Gavin Morris said the cafe represents a new chapter for the iconic building.
"Shepherds Hill Cottage has been a fixture of the coastline for more than 130 years and has played many roles in Newcastle's history, but remarkably has never been open to the public like it will be from Wednesday," he said.
"They have done an incredible job restoring this building.
"It was previously occupied by Defence then Marine rescue, but has never been somewhere that anyone could walk in and visit.
"Giving that heritage back to the community is a special moment.
"It is a beautiful spot on Bathers Way to pause for a coffee and a bite to eat, a well-deserved reward at the top of the hill for those who walk, run, or ride past here."
The restoration porject began following the 2015 superstorm, which caused more than $800 million of damage across the region and forced Marine Rescue to vacate the building.
Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp said the cottage had important history in its walls.
"It has been great to support the project to unlock this beautiful site's potential," he said.
"I am looking forward to stopping by for a cuppa and a bite to eat whilst taking in the view of our beautiful coastline."
The 182-square-metre building sits at the mid-point on the popular Bathers Way coastal walk and has one of the best vantage points in Newcastle, with expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and the coastline from Port Stephens to Dudley.
The cottage, battery observation post and gun emplacement were originally designed to defend Newcastle's burgeoning coal port,
Later, the area served as a command position throughout World War II.
It is the only coastal defence site in Australia crewed simultaneously during World War II by the Royal Australian Navy, Army and Air Force.
