Michelin-Trained Chef Brings Refined, Produce-Driven Dining To The Heart Of The Mornington Peninsula At Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill
In a major culinary coup for the Mornington Peninsula, Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill is proud to announce the appointment of Nick McGonigal as Executive Chef of its acclaimed restaurant, The Dining Room, signalling a bold new chapter in the evolution of the regional, fine dining destination.
McGonigal brings a decade of experience across globally recognised and critically acclaimed restaurants, including Melbourne stalwarts Cecconi’s and Society, Sydney’s The Bentley, and an elite apprenticeship under Brett Graham at London’s three-Michelin-starred The Ledbury, one of the world’s most decorated dining rooms.
Returning to his hometown, McGonigal most recently helmed the kitchen at Paringa Estate Winery on the Mornington Peninsula. His new role at The Dining Room allows him to deepen his commitment to hyper-local sourcing and seasonal menu development, strengthening his connection to the region and its outstanding producers, including: Main Ridge Dairy, Torello Farm and Flinders Truffle. Mcgonigal also works with local gardener Mary Loucas, and The Dining Room’s own onsite gardener John, whose deep knowledge of the land helps shape each dish from the ground up.
The dining experience is immersive, sophisticated, and deeply connected to its Mornington Peninsula roots, complemented by a curated wine list of local and international drops, including Lindenderry’s own award-winning estate wines. Menu highlights include:
- Abrolhos scallop with XO sauce and scallop roe
- Roast quail crown smoked tableside with rosemary
- Stuffed with chicken liver and wild mushrooms
- Sher Wagyu Rostbiff, black garlic, beetroot
“This role feels like a natural homecoming,” says McGonigal. “Lindenderry offers the rare opportunity to shape a menu that reflects the rhythm of the land just outside the kitchen window. From working with our gardener to grow bespoke herbs and vegetables, to collaborating with passionate Peninsula producers, it’s a holistic, creative process that honours the integrity of the ingredients.”
The elegant dining room, designed by award-winning interior designer studio Hecker Guthrie, is framed by Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill’s vineyards and floor-to-ceiling windows, with natural materials and a feature fireplace bringing warmth and sophistication to the refined yet relaxed atmosphere, perfect for long lunches or cosy dinners.
Offering a culinary journey across land and sea, The Dining Room experience is available as a set menu, with an à la carte option offered on weekdays.
Website: thediningroomredhill.com.au
Instagram: @thediningroomredhill
Facebook: @thediningroomredhill
Image credit: Griffin Simm
