Public Dining Room
The name Public Dining Room is inspired by the local history of the site and the public swimming baths located directly in front of the Restaurant. The open sea baths at Balmoral opened to the public in 1898, the building which houses the Restaurant was the original turnstile to access the baths at a cost of 1 penny. By the early 1900’s public bathing was rife with much controversy.
”Ladies and Gents mixed bathing prohibited before 12 O’clock was the order of the day”
THE OWNERS
Brother and sister team Monique and Mark McLoughlin have created 3 successful restaurant ventures together spanning over 3 decades! From humble beginnings in the Hills District to the shores of Balmoral Beach where in 2008 they became the proud owners of the iconic Watermark Restaurant.
Mark and Monique's venture is more than just a business; it's a cherished family endeavour deeply rooted in the local community. Their establishment boasts a strong and loyal following among residents, who appreciate not only the exceptional service and quality, but also the genuine warmth and care that the team provides.
THE CHEF
Head Chef Adam Tyl’s culinary journey began in Poland and spans across the diverse landscapes of Europe and Australia. Adam’s passion for food stems from his childhood where he learned the art of cooking from his father, a talented home cook aspiring to become a chef. Adam’s philosophy revolves around celebrating the bounty of fresh seasonal Australian produce, alongside the finest seafood and meats. Adam’s dishes reflect a commitment to simplicity, yet they feature original combinations that delight the palate and excite the senses.
“At the heart of my creations lies a desire to craft a memorable dining experience for our guests. My aim is not only to satisfy hunger but to also evoke joy and create lasting memories through the enjoyment of our food. I invite you to join us and indulge in an unforgettable culinary journey”
Head Chef Adam Tyl
THE RESTAURANT MANAGER
Originally from Tianjin, arriving in Australia in 2004 to study Hospitality Management and Commerce Tourism, Luke Liu is our longest-serving team member. He has witnessed the transformation of Public Dining Room firsthand, and played a crucial role in the venue's renovation, guiding its transition from the Watermark Restaurant to the renowned Public Dining Room we know today.
Although Luke does not have formal sommelier training, he has gained extensive knowledge through interactions with winemakers, wine reps, and our guests. His passion for wine has been fueled by engaging conversations with people who share his enthusiasm. Luke loves exploring wines from around the world, especially those from France, Italy and Spain to name a few, and he takes great pride in showcasing exceptional Australian wines to our guests.
“After 18 years working at Balmoral, I feel I’ve been very lucky to have this great job in this beautiful area with an amazing team - they are like my second family!”
Restaurant Manager Luke Liu.
a place in which is open and engaging, nostalgic, relaxed and inviting, a place for the community to enjoy any time of the day.
THE HISTORY
The name Public Dining Room is inspired by the local history of the site and the public swimming baths located directly in front of the Restaurant. The open sea baths at Balmoral opened to the public in 1898, the building which houses the Restaurant was the original turnstile to access the baths at a cost of 1 penny. By the early 1900’s public bathing was rife with much controversy.
”Ladies and Gents mixed bathing prohibited before 12 O’clock was the order of the day”
The glamorous 1920’s saw a strong beach culture develop. The Balmoral Baths building later operated as a public refreshment room, today it operates as a casual fine dining restaurant and of course is well known to the locals of Mosman as Public Dining Room.
