Chef Cory Campbell wants Newcastle's first three-hat restaurant

Cory Campbell might be the most over-qualified cafe chef in Australia. The former head chef and six-year veteran at Melbourne fine diner Vue de Monde has jumped behind the pans at Newcastle's One Two Seven Darby cafe.

The Novocastrian says he has returned home with the dream of opening "Newcastle's first three-hat restaurant" – hopefully in the next 12 months – with a shortlist of sites be scoured.

"In some ways, cafes are harder," he says. "With a restaurant, you know when customers are coming in, here it's non-stop crazy."

The dining scene is looking good for Newcastle and the neighbouring Hunter Valley where former Forty One and Establishment chef Brian Duncan has just opened Hunters Quarter at the Cockfighter's Ghost Vineyard.

Brokenwood Wines is also jumping in the restaurant game, looking for an operator for a slick new restaurant space at the winery.