Hospitality entrepreneur and owner of The Burleigh Pavilion – Ben May spoke to The Write Drop about his favourite wines, a Barcelona restaurant that served an unforgettable meal, and where the jet-setter is off next.
The Burleigh Pavilion; located on the popular strip in Burleigh Heads, is a prized spot to dine and watch the sun set with a cocktail and bar food in hand. The Tropic restaurant elevates the mood; and where you’ll find an abundance of wines from around Australia and New Zealand.
MY CITY
I split my time between North Bondi and Burleigh Heads. Burleigh has that laid-back, old-school charm, while North Bondi brings the energy and buzz of the city. Together, they strike the perfect balance-two of my favourite coastlines in Australia.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
El Asador de Aranda in Barcelona serves my all-time favourite dish. Their suckling pig is unforgettable – the meat is incredibly tender, the skin perfectly crisp, and they famously cut it with a plate. It’s as much theatre as it is flavour.
FAVOURITE BAR
Pub Mont Fort in Verbier holds a lot of history for me. It’s a lively, slightly wild spot where I spent a couple of years living. Verbier has evolved over time, but this place still anchors some of my best memories.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
First, straight into the ocean-no hesitation. Then it’s simple: a great steak and a glass of Pinot Noir. Works every time.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
It’s pretty hard to beat a Tommy’s Margarita watching the surf from The Beach Bar at Burleigh Pav. There’s always a great crowd for sunset and everyone is so happy to be there.
FAVOURITE WINE
The 2023 Louis Latour Puligny-Montrachet is a wine I love sharing with friends and family.
We serve it at The Tropic in Burleigh-it’s elegant, special, and pairs beautifully with the menu.
FAVOURITE WINERY
While I was in France, I had the chance to visit several Champagne houses. Wineries aren’t usually my focus, but experiencing the history, craftsmanship, and stories behind these iconic houses was something truly special.
NEXT DESTINATION
Athens, Greece. I’m drawn to its bar and restaurant scene-there are so many places I’ve discovered that I’m excited to experience firsthand.
THREE FAMOUS PEOPLE AT A DINNER PARTY…GO.
Shane Warne – I once had a beer with him and his son at the Pav, and what stood out was how genuinely kind and generous he was with everyone.
Keith McNally – I visited Balthazar in New York shortly after it opened in 1997, and I’ve admired his work ever since. His eye for detail and design is exceptional-I’d love to sit down and pick his brain.
Donald Trump – I’d be curious to have him at the table. I wouldn’t hold back-it would be an honest and, no doubt, very interesting conversation.
WHAT’S CATCHING YOUR ATTENTION IN FOOD AND BEVERAGE RIGHT NOW
My passion for hospitality is grounded in design-creating spaces people genuinely want to spend time in. I’ve always been drawn to exceptional locations, and every venue reflects that, with views and settings that elevate the experience. For me, it’s about shaping environments that people return to, again and again.
CAREER HIGHLIGHT
It’s hard to define a single highlight-it’s a bit like choosing a favourite child. But I often come back to my first venue, The Light Brigade in Paddington. It set the foundation for everything that followed and still holds a special place in my story.
WHAT DREW YOU TO PURCHASE THE BURLEIGH PAVILION
Burleigh Pavilion was a rare opportunity – an iconic beachfront site with incredible natural energy. What drew me in was the ability to create something that felt both elevated and accessible, while staying true to its coastal setting. The Queensland dining scene is evolving quickly – there’s a confidence now, a willingness to invest in quality, and a growing appreciation for great hospitality.
TELL US ABOUT THE PHILANTHROPIC PART OF YOUR DAY JOB, AND WHY PUTTING $20K TOWARD THE WORK OF LIFESAVERS MATTER YOU TO
Supporting the local surf lifesaving community is something that feels both personal and important. These clubs are at the heart of coastal life, quietly doing essential work every day. Contributing is a way of giving back to the places that support our venues and the broader community – it’s about recognising their role and helping ensure it continues.
