Wowee Zowee will be a Mornington dive bar with strong credentials

The Mornington Peninsula's endless upward trajectory as a dining destination is drawing hospitality staff down the coast for work. But where do they go when the weekend warriors roll home? Wowee Zowee, a rock 'n' roll dive, might become the answer to that when it opens in a Mornington alley in August.

The bar has strong credentials. The four collaborators are Something For Kate drummer Clint Hyndman, also behind Prahran's Yellow Bird, Garagiste winery's Cam Marshall, Craig Baum who runs events with Bar Barons, and chef Simon Tarlington, a new local as head chef at Paringa Estate.

The group are doing the refurb themselves in whatever time off they can muster and the offering will be straight good times: icy beers, classic cocktails with a local spirits focus, interesting local wines and a high-low, healthy-dirty mix of dishes including fresh vegan options and Tarlington's fried chicken. Rock will roll over it all.

The bar will initially open Thursdays to Saturdays at rear 35 Main Street, Mornington. Hours may expand in summer.