All roads lead to Lorne

Daylesford stalwart Frangos & Frangos has a new sibling on the Esplanade in Lorne, and already it's a magnet for holidaying urbanites seeking chic, casual food and a sassy decor worthy of their fashionable summer threads.

Owner Jim Frangos says the refurb of the restaurant and bar, which now sports an outdoor pizza and bread oven and lots of open balcony space with ocean views, wasn't quite finished when the hordes arrived, but it's a great start.

Frangos, who has owned property in the area for years, says he is on a mission to improve the eating experience in Lorne and make the most of the great local produce.

Gourmet pizzas and pasta plus on-trend small dishes and mains such as slow-braised lamb and seafood, prepared by Daylesford head chef Euan Apedaile, aim to fuel revellers in the AstroTurfed bar and fine diners in the main space.

The Lorne venture is modelled on Jim and Dianne Frangos' latest addition to the Daylesford empire, Jimmy's Bar, a cafe under vines opened six months ago.

They are also continuing their battle with licensing authorities to open the gold rush-era Swiss Mountain Hotel in Blampied in central Victoria, as a restaurant-shop-vineyard.

Gayle Austen