In a major culinary coup for the Mornington Peninsula, Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill proudly announces the appointment of Nick McGonigal as Executive Chef of its acclaimed restaurant, The Dining Room. With a background honed in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens—including London’s three-Michelin-starred The Ledbury—McGonigal’s arrival signals a bold new chapter in the evolution of this regional fine dining destination.

Joining him is Alyssia Watson as Restaurant Manager, bringing over a decade of experience in premium hospitality. Known for her calm leadership and commitment to personalised service, Alyssia ensures every guest is warmly welcomed and every detail impeccably managed—elevating The Dining Room’s front-of-house to match its exceptional culinary offering.

A chef of rare pedigree, McGonigal brings over a decade of experience across globally recognised and critically acclaimed restaurants. His resume reads like a roll call of culinary excellence: from Melbourne stalwarts Cecconi’s and Society, to Sydney's The Bentley, and culminating in an elite apprenticeship under Brett Graham at The Ledbury, one of London’s—and the world’s—most decorated dining rooms.

McGonigal’s approach marries classical European technique with bold, modern Australian flavour pairings, always anchored in a respect for sustainability, seasonality, and regional provenance. His passion for local produce was deepened during his tenure as Head Chef at Paringa Estate, where he developed deep connections with Mornington Peninsula growers, foragers, and artisans—relationships he continues to nurture today.

“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 Dining Room has already earned two hats and a string of accolades from the Australian Good Food Guide, but McGonigal’s appointment promises to elevate the offering even further. His refined style can already be seen in dishes like torched Abrolhos scallop with XO sauce and scallop roe, or the roast quail crown smoked tableside with rosemary, stuffed with chicken liver and wild mushrooms—bringing a sense of drama and craftsmanship to every plate.

The menu is a celebration of fine Australian seafood, heritage meats like Sher Wagyu, and delicate, produce-driven vegetarian dishes. Paired with Lindenderry’s award-winning estate wines and supported by an internationally curated wine list, the dining experience is immersive, elegant, and deeply grounded in place.

In the elegant surrounds of Hecker Guthrie’s designed dining room—framed by vineyards and floor-to-ceiling windows—guests are invited to indulge in thoughtfully paced, expertly guided service. The space bears the unmistakable hallmarks of Paul Hecker and Hamish Guthrie, two of Australia’s most influential design voices. Their signature aesthetic—understated luxury, tactile materiality, and an innate sense of place—infuses The Dining Room with warmth and sophistication. Whether for a long, languid lunch or a fireside dinner, the atmosphere is refined yet relaxed—design-led hospitality without pretension. 

“Nick’s appointment is transformational,” says James Perkins, General Manager at Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill. “His wealth of experience and his unwavering standards will ensure The Dining Room not only maintains its position as a culinary leader in the region—but sets a new benchmark for destination dining in Australia.”

The Dining Room Experience, McGonigal’s seasonal set menu, offers a refined journey through land and sea, with optional wine pairings curated by the in-house sommelier team. For those seeking flexibility, a carefully crafted à la carte selection is also available on weekdays, showcasing the same premium ingredients and culinary finesse.

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About The Dining Room 

The Dining Room at Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill is a two-hatted regional dining destination on the Mornington Peninsula, where refined technique meets seasonal, produce-led cuisine. Guided by Executive Chef Nick McGonigal the restaurant delivers an immersive culinary experience rooted in sustainability, elegance, and a deep sense of place. With vineyard views, award-winning estate wines, and a sophisticated setting designed by Hecker Guthrie, The Dining Room is a celebration of modern Australian hospitality—thoughtful, grounded, and unforgettable.

www.thediningroomredhill.com.au
www.instagram.com/thediningroomredhill

About Lancemore Group

Recognised as the most awarded hotel group in Australia, including by Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards for eight consecutive years, Lancemore's collection of boutique hotels is as individual and unique as their guests, offering curated places and thoughtful experiences, right down to the smallest detail, to ensure guest expectations are exceeded time and time again. Lancemore Group's hotel portfolio comprises Lancemore Crossley St. in Melbourne; Lancemore Milawa; Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill; Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park; Lancemore Macedon Ranges; Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore; and Cleveland Estate.

www.lancemore.com.au
www.instagram.com/lancemorehotels