Eighteen78, the stylish new restaurant at BEST WESTERN PLUS Brooklands of Mornington has officially opened this week.

Set among three acres of beautiful gardens on Tanti Avenue in Mornington, the 40-seat intimate dining restaurant is set in an historic homestead built in 1878. Fronting the courtyard entrance, customers will be greeted by carefully preserved ornate cornices, stained glass windows and cast-iron Victorian filigree lace lining the verandah.

General Manager of BEST WESTERN PLUS Brooklands of Mornington, Marreck Head has recruited executive chef Corey Howard from the National Hotel in Bendigo to co-create a new menu and wine list specialising in local produce from the Mornington Peninsula.

“Everything is organically grown, every single wine and beer is from the Peninsula,” Mr Head said. “Classic, modern Australian is the champion theme of our dishes at Eighteen78. We're lucky to have some of Australia's best flavours available right here on our doorstep.”

The menu includes entrée selections such as confit of rabbit with house-made tortellini, mushrooms, pea and sage puree finished in truffle oil; and a choice of five mains, including the lamb shoulder, baby onions, chat potatoes, buttered peas with harissa and red wine jus.

Sparkling wines start from $7.50 a glass for Crittenden Estate NV 'Geppetto' Brut or $12 for the Foxeys Hangout 2013 'Red Fox' Pinor Noir.

Born in New Zealand, Head has worked in hospitality for 30 years, most recently as executive chef at Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough. Head remembers training Howard as his former apprentice when both chefs worked at Victoria's Warrenmang Vineyard and Resort.

Head added, “Working with Corey again really brings a feeling of home to our kitchen. Our motto has always been quality, delicious dishes served with good old-fashioned customer service.

“We're delighted to welcome the local community and all our hotel guests to Eighteen78.”

Eighteen78 is open daily for breakfast and Monday to Saturday for dinner. Reservations are now being taken for dining, events and combined accommodation packages.

With 53 beautifully appointed accommodation rooms, BEST WESTERN PLUS Brooklands of Mornington offers king size pillow-top beds, private courtyards, free Wi-fi, iPod docking stations, and large LCD televisions, making the hotel the perfect destination for an all-in-one stay and dine occasion.

For meetings and events, Eighteen78 is the perfect setting for a small seminar or cocktail party. The hotel also has a separate function space to host weddings and conferences for up to 250 delegates.

Visit Eighteen78 at BEST WESTERN PLUS Brooklands of Mornington at 99 Tanti Avenue, Mornington, Victoria or phone 03 5973 9200 to make a reservation.

For more information on Eighteen78 or BEST WESTERN PLUS Brooklands of Mornington, go to:
www.facebook.com/bwmornington  
www.instagram.com/brooklandsofmornington  
www.bestwestern.com.au/brooklands 

Contact Marreck Head, General Manager at BEST WESTERN PLUS Brooklands of Mornington for interviews:
E: generalmanager@brooklandsofmornington.com.au | Phone: (03) 5973 9200

For Best Western Australasia media enquiries contact:
Lauren Bremner
Media & Communications Manager | Best Western Australasia
E: lbremner@bestwesternaustralia.com.au | Ph: (02) 8913 3346