Waltz on over to Matilda’s, Nambucca Heads

PeopleFood & Drink

17 Aug

From a community convenience store to the locals’ favourite restaurant for over 30 years, Matilda’s has seen its fair share of fun. Thanks to new owners Jane Smith and Kristy Bland, the good times keep on rolling.

When Jane Smith and Kristy Bland quit their Sydney-based jobs for a #vanlife adventure in 2019 – they had no idea they’d end up driving directly towards their destiny.

Well, towards The Destiny Motor Inn at Nambucca Heads.

“We bought a van off the internet and spent six months doing it up – it was a thing of beauty,” says Jane.

“We drove it down through the Snowy Mountains to Bright, Victoria – then we had a bit of engine trouble.”

With their plan to drive around Australia cut short for the time being, they decided to turn their skills to a regional area. With Jane’s background working in logistics for the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust and Kristy’s in hotel management for TFE Hotels, they were on the lookout for a hotel or restaurant they could run together.

“We knew we needed to play to our strengths, so when an opportunity arose to help transform The Destiny Motor Inn into The Cubana Resort and launch their on-site restaurant, Hemmingways, we leapt at it,” says Jane.

But it was when they were driving into Nambucca that the couple’s true destiny was revealed.

“Jane’s been obsessed with Matilda's from the second she set eyes on it,” says Kristy. “We drove past it on our way to The Destiny Motor Inn and there it was in all its 70s glory. It felt familiar, nostalgic. It was pure Australiana.”

“It was our destiny – and I couldn’t believe it had a ‘For Sale’ sign on it,” adds Jane. “I turned to Kristy that minute and said, ‘I want to do something there one day’.”

Matilda’s 2.0

On 15 July 2021, after multiple viewings and negotiations, the couple purchased Matilda’s and got straight to work. Wallpaper came off, carpet came up and paint went on. Jane and Kristy worked with a local team of carpenters, electricians, plumbers and painters for eight weeks straight to give Matilda’s a whole new lease on life.

While she’s now sporting a coat of pink paint, has beers on tap and cocktails on the counter, and serves freshly-shucked oysters and pizzas, her name remains the same.

“We wanted to maintain the heritage,” says Kristy. “This has been an important place for the Nambucca Heads community for over 30 years – it’s where people would come to gather, celebrate and splash out on the surf and turf. We want everyone to know that Matilda’s is still that place to come and be with your friends and family.

“Those communal vibes extend to our menu too – it’s simple, fresh, sourced locally and shareable. Good pizza and great oysters are perfect for gatherings, it’s not too intimidating but it still feels special. We’ll also be collaborating regularly with different chefs and recently welcomed the exceptionally talented local Kyah Lulham over the summer to add his signature flare of native ingredients to the menu.”

Alongside the exceptional menu, Kristy and Jane have created a space for the whole community.

“Painted above our door are the words ‘Home is a place where not only our family feels welcome, but yours does too’,” says Jane.

“So whoever you are, you are welcome to come here, work here, bring your family here. You might be the most dudey dude who wants a good beer, a mother of three on a girls night out, or part of the LGBTQI family. This is a space for everyone.”

And what a space it is. Inspired by the homes of Jane’s grandmothers, a white picket fence frames a pretty pebbled courtyard dotted with picnic tables and umbrellas. A wooden bar wraps around the front of the building serving up the perfect possie to sit and enjoy ‘arvo wines, decent pizza and fancy oysters’. Inside, the fun vibes continue with a soft pink bar teamed with moss green tiles, warm wooden floors and lobster pot lights floating above it all.

“My grandmothers were incredible women, born before their time,” says Jane. So we created something for them, a beautiful place people can walk into and feel like they’re stepping inside the home of an Australian Nanna.”

Sealed with a dance

In April 2022, Jane and Kristy sealed their connection to Matilda’s when they were married on a stage behind the restaurant. Surrounded by family, friends and gum trees, the couple sealed their marriage with a choreographed dance to Tilted by Christine and the Queens. A traditional ceremony? Not quite. Is that the best bit? Absolutely.

Above it all soared Matilda’s pink rooftop, emblazoned with the invitation to ‘Waltz on over’. Don’t mind if we do…