Nick McGonigal
Executive Chef, The Dining Room at Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill
Nick McGonigal brings a decade of experience to his role as Executive Chef of The Dining Room, the acclaimed restaurant at Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill. His appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the Mornington Peninsula property, one that champions hyper-local sourcing, thoughtful seasonality, and contemporary Australian cuisine with European sensibility.
McGonigal’s path began in his hometown of Melbourne, where he honed his skills in the kitchen of stalwart institution Cecconi’s. Relocating to London in 2018, McGonigal undertook a formative apprenticeship under Brett Graham at the globally celebrated, three-Michelin-starred The Ledbury. There, he developed a deep appreciation for precision, technique, and the quiet discipline behind extraordinary food.
In 2020, McGonigal returned to Australia, initially joining Sydney’s acclaimed fine dining restaurant Bentley Restaurant + Bar, before relocating to Melbourne to take up a Chef de Partie role at Lucas Group’s venue, Society. In 2022, he embraced a tree change and moved to the Mornington Peninsula, where he led the kitchen at Paringa Estate as Head Chef, holding the role until 2025.
McGonigal’s new role at The Dining Room allows him to take on different challenges as he oversees all F&B offerings across the property, including breakfast service, in-room dining, corporate events, weddings and The Dining Room, further deepening his relationship with the region’s exceptional produce. Working closely with local suppliers including Main Ridge Dairy, Torello Farm, Flinders Truffle, and onsite gardener John, whose understanding of the landscape helps shape each dish from the ground up. He shares,
“I want to create food that reflects this region – its seasons, its soul, and its producers. The Dining Room has the kind of calm energy that gives you space to do that. It’s the kind of place where you can take your time, do things properly, and make something special.”
With his calm confidence, quiet ambition and deep respect for the produce and people around him, McGonigal is poised to lead The Dining Room into a new era, one defined by elegance, sustainability and a true sense of place.
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Notes to Editors:
Head shots link: via Google Drive
Image gallery link: via Google Drive
About The Dining Room
One of the Mornington Peninsula’s premier dining destinations, The Dining Room at Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill offers a refined regional experience that celebrates local produce. Under the direction of Executive Chef Nick McGonigal, the menu showcases produce-led cuisine grounded in classical European technique with modern Australian flair. With a strong focus on hyper-local sourcing, seasonality, and sustainability, The Dining Room delivers a sophisticated culinary journey, all set within a beautifully appointed space designed by Hecker Guthrie, complemented by award-winning estate wines and warm, intuitive service.
Website: The Dining Room
Instagram: @thediningroomredhill
Facebook: @thediningroomredhill
About Lancemore
Lancemore is a leading collection of award-winning boutique hotels across Australia, offering one-of-a-kind stays that blend timeless design, exceptional service and a deep sense of place. From the city to the country and the coast, each property is handpicked and thoughtfully designed to deliver meaningful, tailor-made experiences that celebrate the individuality of every guest. Whether it’s exceptional food and wine, inspiring locations or warm, intuitive hospitality, Lancemore is dedicated to the art of getting the little things right—because your time is the ultimate luxury.
Website: lancemore.com.au
Instagram: @lancemorehotels
Facebook: @lancemorehotels
For media enquiry, please contact:
Zoe Staios | Reymond Communications
E: zoe@reymond.com.au | M: +61 (0) 405 181 550
Sarah Ryan | Reymond Communications
E: sarah@reymond.com.au | M +61 (0) 402 528 893
