Scott Pickett joins Sorrento's Continental Hotel, reopening this summer

Thirteen ways to drink and dine, luxury accommodation and a new restaurant by Scott Pickett are part of the revamped and renamed Continental Sorrento, set to open in December.

The 146-year-old landmark, known previously as the Continental Hotel, has been closed for four years, its renovation beleaguered by an insolvent developer and the global pandemic.

Now under new ownership, plans for the heritage-listed limestone building have been revealed.

Pickett is collaborating with publican Craig Shearer on the venue's 13 hospitality spaces, which range from a public bar and beer garden to a poolside bar and a roof deck.

Audrey's, the signature restaurant, is named after Pickett's grandmother, who he says inspired his choice of career.

"Audrey's will be a seafood and regional produce-focused restaurant set in the beautiful corner of the second floor of the the Continental," says the chef.

Dishes will include Mount Martha mussels with John dory roe, asparagus and caviar, and charred Mornington squid with heirloom tomatoes from Daniel's Run Farm in Tyabb.

Shearer brings his experience managing pubs such as The Terminus in Fitzroy North and The Plough in Brisbane, as well as the since-sold Beer DeLuxe chain, while Pickett has a growing restaurant portfolio that includes Estelle, Matilda, Longrain and Chancery Lane.

Opening in several stages between December and June, the Sorrento redevelopment also includes a 108-room Intercontinental Resort offering 24-hour in-room dining overseen by Pickett, along with a wellness centre and several events and functions spaces.

1-21 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento.