Chef Nelly Robinson Is Bringing A NEL Pop-Up To The Pines In Cronulla
A six-week seaside residency from one of Sydney’s most creative chefs
NEL X The Pines, Cronulla
Cronulla’s dining scene has something pretty exciting on the horizon this autumn. For six weeks only, acclaimed Sydney chef Nelly Robinson is bringing the experience behind his cult-favourite restaurant NEL to the Shire, with an exclusive pop-up residency landing at The Pines this April.
If the name rings a bell, Robinson is the chef known for his playful, story-driven menus and inventive approach to dining at his Sydney restaurant. Now, he’s bringing that creativity to Cronulla, with a menu designed specifically for The Pines.
After hosting a sell-out dinner at Bobby’s last year, Robinson is returning with something bigger — a full NEL-style pop-up set against Cronulla’s oceanfront backdrop.
“I’ve always loved the energy of the Shire. I moved here with my family three years ago. Now I am so excited to bring the storytelling and layering of flavours of NEL to the Shire,” he says.
“The Pines precinct is such an iconic space with a stunning backdrop. I wanted to create menus which feel sophisticated, but approachable — dishes that surprise people but still feel right at home by the ocean.”
The pop-up will take over The Pines precinct, with a few different ways to experience NEL during the six-week run.
Inside The Pines main dining room, guests can book in for a 10-course degustation ($135pp) showcasing Robinson’s refined coastal flavours and his signature use of native ingredients. Expect inventive dishes designed to surprise, with the option to pair each course with wines selected by The Pines’ bar team.
The residency will also see the return of NEL’s iconic Sunday Roast ($90pp) — a long lunch-style offering that includes three snacks, a full roast dinner and dessert.
And outside at The Pines Terrace, things lean a little more relaxed. The casual sister venue will transform into a vibrant margarita bar, serving a snack-style menu alongside the must-try NEL burger and cocktails right by the beach.
Across the precinct, the atmosphere promises to strike that sweet spot between elevated and easygoing, with wine pairings and signature cocktails curated by The Pines’ award-winning bar team.
The NEL Pop-Up at The Pines will run for six weeks only, from April 9th to May 24th — and if Robinson’s past events are anything to go by, bookings likely won’t stay open for long.