Mornington's Newly Restored Bay Hotel Is Now a Stunning All-Rounder for Gigs, Pints and Pub Grub

There's been a flurry of Mornington Peninsula haunts scoring top-to-toe makeovers as the balmy summer season draws close; from the multi-faceted Continental Sorrento, to nearby all-day eatery Stringers. And another to join the club is Mornington's Bay Hotel, now sporting a major refurb courtesy of new owner Liam Ganley (Ganley Group's Angus & Bon, Freddie Wimpole's).

Housed in a 133-year-old former bank building on Main Street, the historic pub has been smartly reimagined at the hands of Studio Y, its new look even nabbing a couple of spots on this year's Eat Drink Design Awards shortlist.

James Geer Architectural

The interiors are fitted out in a nod to the Aussie pubs of yesteryear, with an added splash of Irish charm thanks to Ganley's own heritage. There's chequered floors surrounding the bar, exposed brick and old-school timber panelling on the walls, and a private dining room nestled within the old bank vault, complete with bar access via a secret hatch.

With this latest project, Ganley set out to deliver an 'every person' kind of pub; one where you can catch a gig, grab a feed and sip pints in front of the footy, too.

Eugene Hyland

Executive Chef and Texan native Jeremy Sutphin (Angus & Bon) is heading up the food offering, mingling Aussie pub favourites with the classics of his homeland. Down the snacky end, you'll find bites like Mount Martha mussels with prosciutto and a lemon butter sauce, southern fried chicken with fermented chilli and garlic aioli, and kingfish sashimi elevated with oyster cream, karkalla (pigface) and saltbush.

A chicken parma and signature cheeseburger sit alongside the likes of crispy-skinned barramundi with Japanese-style slaw; blue swimmer crab linguine; and the bangers and mash, featuring caramelised onion, potato purée and beef jus. Hop in on Sunday to check out the rotating weekend roast special.

Eugene Hyland

The Bay's tap-list showcases drops from locals like St Andrews Beach Brewery, Jetty Road and Banks Brewing; similarly, Mornington Peninsula pours headline the wine offering, including goodies from Quealy, Kerri Greens and Trofeo Estate. And if you're in the mood for sipping cocktails, you'll find a roll-call of classics, from an old fashioned crafted on Aussie whisky, to an espresso martini made with salted caramel and coffee from nearby Commonfolk.

Venture upstairs to catch sport on the big screens, and hit the bandroom for live gigs to soundtrack your weekend — you'll find upcoming shows listed on the website.

Eugene Hyland

James Geer Architectural

Find The Bay Hotel at 62 Main St, Mornington, Victoria. It's open 12pm–late Wednesday to Sunday.

Top Images: James Geer Architectural and Eugene Hyland