Swap city views for beachy vibes and feel as though you’re on a decadent European holiday at The Continental Sorrento. This historic building has undergone a $120 million redevelopment, and is now spread across six levels and five buildings. Treat yourself to a staycation and check in to one of their 108 rooms, or indulge yourself in a Mediterranean spa experience. Then, feast inside some fine dining restaurants, run by restaurateur Scott Pickett. Some venues at The Continental Sorrento are now open or opening this week, with more to come in May.
Now open – ‘The Conti’ Public Bar & Beer Garden
Two casual offerings at The Conti are now open for you to enjoy. Perched proudly on top of the hill of Ocean Beach Road, you’ll find both the Public Bar and the Beer Garden inside the 150 year old façade. A third venue, Promenade, will open to street dining soon.
The Public Bar is filled with coastal charm that’s perfect for casual beach goers. Meanwhile, inside the Beer Garden, you’ll find a conservatory space, filled with lush plants and trailing greenery.
Both of these venues will share the same menu, served from an open kitchen in the entry corridor. You’ll find Pickett’s take on classic, yet contemporary, pub fare, such as wood-fired pizzas, gourmet burgers, parmas, meats cooked on the bone, and Pickett’s signature favourites from his CBD restaurant, Longrain.
There will also be lighter share plates, fresh seafood and a children’s menu.
The Conti Public Bar and Beer Garden will be open seven days a week, from 11am until late.
Barlow
Having a late night on the peninsula? Wind down for cocktails at Barlow, a sophisticated nocturnal speakeasy. Surround yourself with old-world glamour, and sip your way through their extensive cocktail list. Pair your drink with a late-night snack, and keep an eye out for some exciting live entertainment, such as DJs, touring artists and comedians.
The drinks selection was created by Speakeasy Group, who are behind Nick & Nora’s and Eau de Vie, in collaboration with The Continental’s team. You’ll find theatrical cocktails, as well as spirits, wines, beers and non-alcoholic beverages.
Signature cocktails will include:
- Apple and Maro – Grey Goose vodka, amaro Montenegro, pomme verte, lime, apple juice, tarragon honey and soda
- Mornington Margarita – Patron Silver, Cointreau, salt and pepper pineapple syrup and lime juice
- In A Jam – Woodford Reserve Rye whisky, Amontillado Sherry, blackberry and shiraz reduction, orange juice, lemon and mint
- Absinthe Colada – Bacardi Carta Oro, Pernod, absinthe, Amontillado Sherry, bitters, coconut pineapple caramel, orange juice, lime and coconut cream
From 8pm to 11pm, you can pair your drink with a luxurious snack, like charcoal-grilled beef skewers, spanner crab and king prawn spring rolls or heart of palms tacos. Then, from 10pm to 2am, keep your energy up with fried Conti-style chicken with caviar, hot smoked frankfurter and New York style pizza by the slice.
Barlow will open on Fridays and Saturdays from 8pm to 3am. During peak season, it will throw its doors open every night.
Barlow will open from Friday April 1.
Audrey’s Restaurant
Head to Audrey’s for a taste of old-world elegance amongst sweeping views of Port Phillip Bay. Named after Scott Pickett’s grandmother, Audrey’s is an ode to the woman who gave him his passion for cooking.
On the menu, you’ll enjoy an impressive range of seafood, as well as a contemporary mix of dishes from the Peninsula’s produce.
“Over the last year I’ve spent time connecting with the local producers, and it’s been inspiring to see such exquisite produce from the Peninsula area. This is what will make the Audrey’s dining experience like no other, and something I am extremely proud to unveil to Sorrento.”
Enjoy a “choice menu” or a five-course “set menu”, and try delicious items like lobster and caviar tartlet or malt-glazed eel.
There will be elegant dishes with a focus on fish and vegetables, like Mornington Peninsula squid served with shitake XO and rosemary flowers. Discover fresh daily produce at the raw bar, including the “catch of the day”, oysters, crayfish, abalone and periwinkles.
After that, try their signature “Vacherin”, a dessert highlight topped with seasonal fruits.
To drink, there will be plenty of cocktails to try, and fine wine from the Peninsula, France and Italy.
Audrey’s will open on Friday April 1. Enjoy lunch at Audrey’s from Friday to Sunday, and dinner from Wednesday to Saturday.
More from The Continental Sorrento
This 20,000-square-metre venue has more amazing things up its sleeve this May. Forget about the drive home, and stay a little longer in one of the Conti’s glamourous hotel rooms. Then, enjoy a meal at upcoming restaurant, The Atrium. Finally, look forward to an immersive wellness experience at Aurora Spa & Bathhouse.
Find the Continental Sorrento at 1-24 Ocean Beach Rd, Sorrento, VIC 3943. Bookings are available now.