Daunt’s Albatross has held strong as a mainstay of breezy Montauk cool for generations. The family-owned motel, a beloved escape among beach-obsessed regulars, recently underwent a refresh at the hands of Home Studios founder Oliver Haslegrave, enlivening the property’s ‘70s decor to a tasteful mix of nostalgic and new nodding to its relaxed shoreline setting. So when it came time for third-generation proprietors (and siblings) Leo and Zoe Daunt to update the lively neighborhood joint Bird on the Roof to The Bird, the hotel’s sister business in a quaint A-frame across the street, he opted for a similar approach.
That was hardly a challenge for Haslegrave, whose firm has crafted some of New York’s most cult-favorite bars and restaurants. First on the menu was capturing the 40-year-old eatery’s laid-back vibe and home-away-from-home ethos, which he achieved through a calming material palette—reclaimed timber, glazed ceramic tiles, white-washed plaster—and oceanic shades that forge a seaside ambiance. Chef Marcos Martinez Perez conceived a seasonally rotating menu befitting the updated look: think tempura trumpet mushrooms with gochujang sauce and green curry with scallops. Pair them with Sophia DePasquale’s specialty cocktails (try the Hallie Parker, a killer blend of gin, Prosecco, St. Germain, strawberry, and lemon) for an unforgettable foray into the spirit of old Montauk.
