You want to meet Mrs Jones. She’s inviting, fun, interesting and holds her own. She sits regally above a surf club on the edge of Bass Strait, where throngs of loyal followers find pleasure in her Asian-leaning menu, spot-on service and excessive ocean views.

Mrs Jones has a spacious, discerning dining room filled with corporates and ladies who lunch. They’re all beside the window, watching waves and excitable kids at the ice-cream shop below, but you don’t really miss out whichever recycled oak table you sit at. Surrounded by panelled timber, there’s a strong whiff of sophistication bubbling beneath blues tunes.

Upon entry you’ll note the bar lounge, filled with soft leather and where one can order local bubbles by Barringwood Park from the dominating copper bar and wash them down with a quick bowl of French fries, hot roasted cashews or prawn wontons.

For something a little more substantial, start with the salty tempura soft shell crab rice paper rolls then marinated chicken partnered with pancetta and cucumber raita or the coconut red duck curry dotted with mint and crispy garlic. Save room for sweets: raw lemon tart or pavlova with mascarpone ice cream. All prepared in a wide open kitchen.

My waitress in crisp white and high-tops was perky and attentive, even asking if I’d like lemon or lime in my soda. It arrived in a chilled glass with a smile before she helped me decide what to order.

A wonderful locale for romance, or well behaved youngens. For groups, book the peacock lounge: a sprawling setting of feathered colour in between the lounge and dining room.

While there are plenty, like the rolling green and red dirt of endless farms, Mrs Jones is a reason to visit Tasmania’s beloved northwest.

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