It's been a little delayed, but summer is finally here. That generally means time in the sun, hitting up the beach, and some extremely cold beverages had in good company.
Like a lot of Melburnians you might find yourself down on the Mornington Peninsula over the warmer months, whether it’s a crisp red up at Red Hill, fish and chips by the beach around the bottom half of the bay, or even just a beer at the pub—good times are guaranteed.
So, if you’re heading south for the summer, here are 5 new places to hit up once you’re down there.
Wowee Zowee
Mornington
Mornington has definitely upped its game over the past few years, and new joint Wowee Zowee is taking it all to the next level.
The bar comes from the team behind Windsor staple Yellow Bird and is a great spot to spend a few warm summer nights.
Fried chicken is the hero here, alongside a range of vegan snacks like the Broc‘n’Roll which comes on a bread roll stuffed with spiced broccolini, cashew, and salt and vinegar chips.
Ten Minutes By Tractor
Main Ridge
Yes sure, Ten Minutes By Tractor isn’t a new name on the Peninsula, but after a devastating fire back in 2017, Ten Minutes By Tractor has risen from the ashes with a brand new restaurant.
With executive chef Adam Sanderson (The Fat Duck, Noma, Cutler & Co.) at the helm, you can expect dishes like kangaroo en croûte, caramelised cauliflower, black cherry, and grilled greens or the slow-cooked Bundarra pork belly and loin, smoked eel, kohlrabi, elderflower, green mizuna.
Jimmy Rum
Dromana
Victoria’s first dedicated craft rum distillery has found a home in Dromana.
The industrial estate in Dromana is no stranger to excellent spirits, with Bass & Flinders distillery just around the corner.
Jimmy Rum produces four different types of rum, Barbados, Navy, Silver, and Oaked. All produced by founder—and rum oracle—James. Head in this summer for a proper rum education.
Chiefs Son Distillery
Somerville
Keeping the spirits theme going, it’s definitely worth checking out Chiefs Son Distillery if you find yourself on the Westernport Bay side of the Peninsula.
Having opened in late-2018, Chiefs Son is a family-owned and operated distillery that is producing small-batch, single malt whisky.
Chiefs Son is open daily for tastings, 11am to 4pm.
More Mornington Peninsula joints to check out:
- St Andrews Beach Brewery | Cold beers in a former horse training facility.
- Morgan's Beach Shack | Chilled vibes and good food on the water.
- Red Gum BBQ | Smoked meats and cold beers at this smoky spot.
- Montalto | For great wine, and great food.
- Bass & Flinders Distillery | For all things gin. You can even make your own.
- Johnny Ripe | For the best apple pies you’ll come across.
- Main Ridge Harvest | For simple meals with an amazing view.
- Jetty Road Brewery | For beers in a less than hectic setting.
- Buckley’s Chance | For pancakes, and lots of them.
For more weekend escape inspiration, check out our Local Escapes section.
Image credit: Wowee Zowee