Stokehouse Cafe opens

Downstairs at St Kilda beach's Stokehouse is now officially open as the Stokehouse Cafe, promising a beach-shack vibe after its redo at the hands of designers Projects of Imagination. The six-month renovation has opened up the space. The kitchen, enormous by restaurant kitchen standards, has had a rotisserie, wood-fired grill and wood-fired Josper oven installed to cook meats and fish. Head chef Nick Mahlook's menu is designed to share and remain affordable, executive chef Anthony Musarra says. There is a new bar area, serving kitsch cocktails such as Margarita slushies and Like a Sunrise Rhonda, plus 147 seats inside and 100 seats outside, as well as a long dining bar overlooking the open kitchen. The Stokehouse Cafe is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Saturday to Monday, and lunch and dinner Tuesday to Friday.