The Continental Sorrento

Overview

The multimillion-dollar redevelopment of Sorrento's historic Continental Hotel will see the 145-year-old heritage building completely overhauled, complete with a multi-faceted hospitality offering headed up by renowned chef Scott Pickett (Estelle, Matilda) and publican Craig Shearer (North Fitzroy's Terminus, The Plough in South Brisbane).

The dramatic transformation includes a slew of food and drink venues, such as the pub's main restaurant — named Audrey's, after Pickett's grandmother and cooking muse — along with a public bar and beer garden, a late-night venue, poolside and in-room dining, and a rooftop deck. The lineup will range from upscale degustation menus to casual pub fare, with an expected capacity of 5000 diners across the whole multi-venue site.

The sprawling, high-profile hotel won't be short on additional function spaces either. There are plans to restore the building's original grand ballroom to its former glory to sit alongside an assortment of other private, bookable rooms. The hillside precinct will also eventually be home to a new 108-room luxury InterContinental Resort Hotel and a wellness centre.

Parker Blain