Merne lights the way to culinary delight

For the second year running Merne at Lighthouse has won the Golden Plate State Awards in recognition of their exceptional culinary services.

Described by judges as a “hot-house” of local talent, Merne is jointly owned and run by Caleb Fleet (former food and
beverage manager of Pettavel and Vue Grand Hotel in Queenscliffe) and Josh Smith (former Sous Chef at Tulip).

Merne took first place against a strong field of contending restaurants, hotels and cafes, including Geelong’s Tulip Restaurant, the Bellarine’s innovative Q-Train, Jack Rabbit Vineyard, Daylesford’s Bistro Terroir, and Ballarat’s Moon and Mountain.

City of Greater Geelong Mayor Bruce Harwood presented the State Award to co-owners Caleb and Josh.

“This year’s State Award was a hotly contested field. The judges have eaten in excess of 750 meals around regional Victoria in the past six months to discover the best of the best, and the lucky people of the Bellarine have a prized possession in Merne at Lighthouse,” he said.

“Merne is a model dining experience and remarkable expression of great food-wine-customer service and ambience.”

Pakington Street’s King of the Castle were inducted into the Golden Plate Hall of Fame as the second eatery
in the 16-year history of the Awards to take out top honours in three consecutive years.

The Exempla Award was won by the innovative restaurant Q-Train that runs between Drysdale and Queenscliff, while Queenscliff Brewhouse won the Hotel Dining Award.