The Conti is back, baby, and it’s going to be magnificent.

Sorrento’s beloved hotel is set to open from December and will have a whopping 13 food and beverage outlets curated by chef Scott Pickett and renowned publican Craig Shearer.

The multi-million-dollar redevelopment will include a public bar, beer garden, conservatory, pool-side, late-night venue, 24-hour in-room dining, a sunset roof deck with bay views for private-bookings, and its signature restaurant Audrey’s, a tribute to Pickett’s grandmother who taught him how to cook.

Previously known as the Hotel Continental, the 145-year-old heritage building has more than just a new name – it’s got a new lease on life.

This isn’t just a hotel with bars and restaurants, it’s a precinct that’s set to be one of the hottest destinations on the Mornington Peninsula. The building’s original grand ballroom will be restored to its former glory and smaller private rooms, such as the impressive Halcyon Hall, will be revitalized to cater to private events such as weddings and parties.

It’s been a busy 12 months for Pickett, the chef-restaurateur has recently taken over Longrain, Chancery Lane and Le Shoppe in Melbourne’s CBD. And now The Conti, his most ambitious project to date, will have curated menus that range from pub classics to degustation dining.

“The Continental Sorrento is such a beautiful and significant establishment. I feel humbled to be associated with it and am excited to bring our food and hospitality to Sorrento,” Pickett says.

“It’s been brilliant working with Craig across areas that are new to us like high volume bars and large patron numbers expected to reach up to 5,000 a day. It’s a little bit different from where I started with a 30-seater restaurant in Northcote!”

Shearer, who has owned and managed high-volume drinking spaces including The Terminus, North Fitzroy, The Plough, South Brisbane and The Collective, Palm Beach, is also looking forward to the challenge.

“It’s amazing to work with Scott and his team. We’re opening at the beginning of peak season so we have to hit our stride quickly. This is an incredible addition to the Mornington Peninsula and I’m really looking forward to opening the doors to all our venues, and seeing the place full and buzzing.”

When it reopens in December, there will also be a 108-room luxury InterContinental Resort Hotel, making it the ideal location for a weekend getaway.