THE 2026 football season kicks off within the next few weeks, with Geelong set to play their first home game in Round 2.

After learning late last year that Club Chin Chin would now only be open for game days, this signalled to me the start of a slow end for what had promised to be a mainstay for both the Geelong hospitality scene, and the stadium itself. I thought lunch for Round 2 would be a good time to visit since the news broke, particularly if it may be the last time I get there, given how unsustainable the model of only opening for game days seems to be. I went to a game last year – nothing fancy, just General Admission (but still decent seating) – which cost about $30 from memory. You can imagine my surprise when I saw Club CC’s lunch/seat package for Round 2 was a staggering $280. Sure, those pink seats in front of their dining space offer okay viewing, but you’re basically paying $250 for a Feed-Me menu (no choices there) without beverages. I think I’ll head across the road for Man-Bo’s yum cha to get my pregame fill, thank you very much.

The launch of The Queenscliff Hotel is now imminent. Club Chin Chin has changed the pricing for their gameday dining. Photos: SUPPLIED

 

As discussed in this column a couple of months back, the launch of The Queenscliff Hotel is now imminent. With only the finishing touches remaining, the Bellarine town is set to receive another destination venue for food/accommodation. The venue found fame in the late 70s as the coastal outpost of Melbourne restaurateur, Mietta O’Donnell, whose name was also carried as that for the venue itself (as it was too, for her iconic Alfred Place restaurant in the Melbourne CBD). The new owners, who have spent some serious time and effort (and cash) on restoring the entire building to its former glory, have chosen to keep the name in both tribute to is historic past, and in loving memory of who was once one of the biggest names in the Victorian restaurant scene. Unlike Meitta’s food though – a broad, sophisticated ‘Euro-style’ menu, mainly with French and Italian influence – the food at the new incarnation with be Italian fine dining, naturally focusing on some of the brilliant seasonal produce the Peninsula can offer.

Club Chin Chin has changed the pricing for their gameday dining. Photos: SUPPLIED

 

For those South Geelongites in the know, there’s been a spot that opens only once a month that many locals have scheduled in their monthly/yearly calendars. The premise that was once the home of Cockies Brewery was purchased a couple of years back by Great Ocean Road Brewery, who themselves have an epic taphouse venue in Torquay (the old Sou’West Brewery site, RIP). I’d forgotten about this place long ago, but a friend reacquainted me recently with the fun afternoon shenanigans that happen on the first Friday night of each month. The new brewery kept the Cockies name for one of their beers, a refreshing pale ale that’s not too heavy on the hops, and it free-flows from 3.30pm alongside some live music and a couple of food trucks. It’s a tiny venue though, so sometimes standing room is as good as you’ll get, but no one really seems to mind given the good vibes in the room.

Two local businesses, both known for their innovation and creativity in the ways of hospitality, are joining forces this Sunday afternoon for a lazy way to end the weekend. The folk from Provenance Wines will host a few much-loved performers from Piano Bar in their barrel hall, which is usually home to their wine tasting and restaurant space. If you can picture the loud, rowdy and singalong fun-behaviour normally associated with Piano Bar, mixing with the classy wines and beautiful setting that Provenance holds in the old papermills, when this afternoon is made for you.

Doug Neal is joining BAAH LAA! for an intimate evening to showcase some of the many wines he’s made.

 

Finally, there’s another event that’s only a week or so away that would definitely warrant your attendance if wine dinners are your thing. Doug Neal, a Geelong local (and star winemaker) is joining BAAH LAA! for an intimate evening to showcase some of the many wines he’s made in both our Geelong region (Paradise IV) and across the state (Altera Terra, Gaffy & Neal, Giaconda etc). Over decades past, Doug has been a prominent figure in our wine scene, both locally and nationally: wine buffs can rejoice, as they’ll be treated to sit with the man and taste through a career of winemaking history, benchmarked against other leading wines from around the world.