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In what’s been a lightning-flash rebrand, the caf\u00e9 once known as Norfolk (Skene Street, Newtown) has reopened as Honey’s. I reported a few months back that the place had new owners, and wondered at the time whether it was worth them giving this cozy spot a new identity. Well, here we are. Much of the old Norfolk charm still exists, it’s just been bestowed some modern love and a (probably) overdue facelift. The menu offering is larger and more adventurous too than the previous model, with breakfast still fixed as a firm highlight. The team there remain as professional and engaging as ever though: anyone who hadn’t been to (ie the ‘old’) Norfolk in a while, here’s your reason to revisit.<\/p>\n
The folk of Belmont have been without a good wine\/beer store to call their own in what feels like forever. Sure, Dan-the-man-Murphy covers a lot of bases, but not really when it comes to niche beer producers or hard to source wineries (or a more personalised service.) Well, locals are in for a treat, with new comer, South Side Beer & Wine, opening its High Street doors just last week. The fit-out is schmick and their product range probably rivals any other decent liquor stores around town, albeit just a touch smaller in terms of shelf space. What I like most about the place is their beer selection: large on size and range, it caters for both beer nerds and easy drinkers alike. Funnily enough, the proprietor there is named Dan too, although his enthusiasm and friendly nature is a little more inviting than his namesake competitor down the road. Drop by – say Hi to Dan – pick up an interesting beer or two.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Since last weekend, the opening of the restored Queenscliff Hotel has been making big waves through both local word of mouth and the social feeds. I spoke with one Queenscliffer, who had patiently been waiting months for the doors to open, say it had exceeded their expectations in terms of fit-out and taste. I haven’t yet been to their flagship restaurant, Miettas, but to quote another trusted Bellarine local, the place “will become a staple for anyone visiting the Peninsula”. Big call! But I’m hoping they’re correct, as I’d love for Queenscliff to claim back the recognition and character of the previous incarnation of Miettas, which was originally opening in the town during the late 70s. The town itself is slowly becoming more of a food-driven destination of late, with the opening of TARRA and the Esplanade Hotel within the past couple of years. Add in a couple of good coffee spots (I like Ziggy + Kit) and they’re well on their way to daytrip-territory for many out of towners. A good wine bar could work wonders, methinks.<\/p>\n Finally, after a long summer break, I’m excited to report that I’ll be back in the chair again in the next couple of weeks to launch the 2026 series of The Local Palate podcast. My first guest is Simon Toohey: an ex MasterChef participant who has quickly made Geelong his oyster, after successfully launching our weekly CBD market. Stay tuned!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" PART of me finds it hard to recognise it’s autumn already. For one, where the hell was the last kick of good summer weather? For second, where the hell have the year’s first three months gone? Well, good thing lent is almost over at least… that means we can all start enjoying the chocolate-spoils of […]<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/03\/palatehoneys_32391.jpg\")