Sebastian Beach Grill and Bar to open in Williamstown

Restaurateur Dave Parker (of Neptune, San Telmo, Palermo and Pastuso fame) is heading west, opening a San Sebastian-inspired restaurant and beach bar with childhood friend Alex Brawn in Williamstown in November.

"It came out of nowhere, a bit," says Parker, who also opened Asado just a few weeks ago. "Alex [Brawn] lives in Williamstown and saw the expression of interest opportunity, so we prepared something and we won it, so yeah, we're pumped."

Sebastian Beach Grill and Bar will open on the Williamstown foreshore in the site that once housed Siren's Restaurant and, more recently, Shelly's Beach Pavilion.

Design firm Ewert Leaf, which has collaborated with Parker on his other restaurants, and Heritage Victoria, are working together to revamp the landmark building, which opened in 1936 as a beach dressing pavilion.

In keeping with the beachside theme, expect lots of white, blue and oak timber in the space, which they estimate will have a combined capacity of 250 across the waterfront deck, bistro and casual dining room. It will have different eating and drinking options available across each part. The menus are yet to be finalised, but think cured seafood and other Basque-inspired dishes, including a take on pinxtos.

"I love the food in San Sebastian so the dishes are definitely going to be inspired by all my favourite places over there," says Parker.

"We want Sebastian to have a real hangout feel. It's big, it's on a beach and there'll be an evening focus, but we also want there to be a family focus. It's for the community."

26 Esplanade, Williamstown, sebastianbeachgrill.com