Your exclusive look at the refurbished Portsea Hotel

For over 140 years, the iconic Portsea Hotel has been the bedrock to beachside society living. Beloved for its rolling green knoll stretching to the sand’s edge and picturesque views of crystal-blue water, it’s the closest thing to New York’s Long Island, the Mornington Peninsula has to offer. The Hotel undertook a major renovation and Milk Bar is here to give you an exclusive glimpse of what you can expect to find.

Step inside and be taken by the airy foyer finished with crisp white paint, strategically dotted greenery and prints that harken back to Australia’s golden age mentality of sea, sand and sunshine. (This was probably before the 90s SunSmart movement.) The Bertrand Bar is a stunning waterfront bar, again fitted out in what can only be described as Hamptons chic. The hardwood floors and exposed beams add texture to the elegance. Once an exclusive bar, the Bertrand is now open all summer long, so go in and have a gander.

The massive overhaul extends to the staff and the menu. General Manager Scott Elvery (ex- Merivale and Sand Hill Road) and Executive Chef Jonathan Alston (ex- Stokehouse, the Lucas Group and Mama Buoi’s Restaurants) are at the helm, both of whom are committed to revitalising the Hotel. ‘We want to cater to our local Portsea and wider Peninsula community and be a strong part of it,’ says Elvery.

The first of many food announcements is the Fatto da Mamma (Made by Mum) concept, which includes two massive pizza ovens that will be overseen by Head Pizza Chef Fabio de Lutiis. Order a Hawaiana – and argue about whether pineapple is a legitimate pizza topping (it is!) – or the delectable Prosciutto Rucola e Grana.

A beach day isn’t complete without fish ‘n’ chips. This is where the Fish Hut steps in. It’s fast. It’s delicious. The menu includes fish and chips, calamari, dim sims and potato cakes. Divine! All seafood used is sustainable and sourced from ethical fisheries who work within The Good Fish Project guidelines.

Do you need an excuse to get down to Portsea? The hotel is brimming with events throughout January. Celebrate Triple J’s Hottest 100 on Saturday, 25 January and countdown the very best in Australian music. Or spend Australia Day with a group of mates and enjoy a drink by the bay with Emmanuela Costaras at 2.30pm.

It may be hot in Melbourne, but it’s even hotter in Portsea. 

Portsea Hotel
3746 Point Nepean Road, Portsea, 3944
Open 7 days, Monday to Wednesday, 11.30am to 11pm, Thursday to Saturday, 11.30am to 12am, Sunday, 11.30am to 11pm
portseahotel.com.au