Hotel Sorrento, the iconic Mornington Peninsula landmark, is set to redefine coastal luxury with the unveiling of its new Rooftop bar and restaurant and the refreshed Salt bar. Officially opening on Friday, 13 December 2024, this next phase of the hotel’s multi-million-dollar development fuses timeless elegance with the vibrant charm of seaside living.
Rooftop – A Slice of Saint-Tropez on the Peninsula
Drawing inspiration from the sun-soaked rooftops of Saint-Tropez and la Côte d’Azur, the new Rooftop is a celebration of relaxed sophistication. Seamlessly blending heritage and modernity, the open-air space boasts breathtaking panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay and the surrounding coastline. Whether it’s a summer sunset or a cosy winter evening by the fire, this venue promises unforgettable moments year-round.
Designed by the talented teams at Six Degrees Architects and Jack Merlo Landscape Architecture, the space features a harmonious mix of old and new. Think sandstone tiles nodding to the building’s historic facade, and repurposed dark-stained timber columns from the original hotel, juxtaposed with plush modern seating and a fully retractable roof to accommodate Melbourne’s lively weather.
Adding a dash of European glamour, the Rooftop takes cues from Italian photographer and designer Willy Rizzo’s golden age of Saint-Tropez, a time when rooftops were vibrant social hubs for eating, drinking, and dancing under the sun.
A Menu Worthy of the Views
Curated by Executive Chef Beth Candy (previously of Montalto and Balgownie Estate), the Rooftop’s menu is a celebration of flavourful, local produce. Lighter, Modern Australian dishes dominate, crafted for sharing, snacking or leisurely lunches.
Small bites include delights like oysters with fresh lemon, lobster brioche rolls with pickled cucumber and watercress, and spiced kingfish crudo on cassava crackers. Larger plates feature crowd-pleasing pizzas, from the classic Margherita to the fresh yet indulgent basil and burrata summer tomato. Sides like the zucchini and herb salad with minted yoghurt and Peninsula salad are complemented beautifully by local wines or spritz cocktails.
“The Rooftop is designed to be versatile yet stylish,” says Myles Pitt, Director of Hotel Sorrento. “We feel like this offering is what’s been missing from the Peninsula, and we can’t wait for locals and visitors alike to experience it.”
With space for up to 320 guests, the Rooftop offers a mix of high-top tables, lounges, and private booths, making it ideal for everything from celebratory gatherings to casual afternoons bathed in sunshine.
Salt – Reinvented Icon
Hotel Sorrento’s beloved Salt bar has also undergone a stunning transformation. What was already the go-to late-night hangout has been reimagined into a chic, moody cocktail lounge with a contemporary twist.
Complete with an exclusive entryway, revamped interiors, and its signature neon ‘Salt’ sign, the bar retains its warm charm but now boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto a north-facing terrace, where natural light floods the space by day and bay views dazzle guests by night.
Salt transitions seamlessly from daytime cocktail lounge to late-night dance spot, offering something for every mood. Open from 12pm, its low-lit, sleek vibe makes it perfect for intimate celebrations or unplanned revelry that stretches into the small hours.
Hotel Sorrento’s Evolution
These additions mark the latest chapter in Hotel Sorrento’s ambitious transformation. Following the 2023 debut of its luxury accommodation suites, pool, spa, and wellness facilities, the hotel now offers guests six dining options, including the well-loved Dining Room, Front Bar, The Lawn, and the Cantonese restaurant Shihuishi.
Finance Director Bridget Bailey reflected on the project, saying, “This next chapter marks a significant step in transforming our seaside hotel into Sorrento’s foremost holiday and dining destination. We’re incredibly proud to see Hotel Sorrento evolve while staying true to its heritage.”
More Than Just a Venue
Hotel Sorrento’s Rooftop promises year-round appeal. Whether you’re enjoying live music and stellar cocktails on a warm summer afternoon or sipping a chardonnay by the fire come winter, this space captures the essence of the Mornington Peninsula lifestyle. Paired with the updated Salt bar and the hotel’s other luxury facilities, these additions elevate Hotel Sorrento to a premier coastal destination.
Open daily from 12pm until late, the Rooftop and Salt are set to become go-to spots for locals and visitors alike. For more information or to secure your booking, head to www.hotelsorrento.com.au.
Welcome to your new favourite spot on the Peninsula. Cheers!