Final sitting for icon of the pier

Alex de Vos
Iconic waterfront Geelong eatery Smorgy’s will close its doors to the public for the last time on Sunday night and hand over the keys to The Pier Geelong.
Restaurant director Darren Holroyd said Smorgy’s replacement would feature a “world class” function centre as well as a restaurant, a boutique bar, a private meeting room and a café.
Mr Holroyd said the new restaurant would accommodate up to 800 guests amid “stunning” views of the bay and beach.
Mr Holyroyd and Cats star partner Cameron Ling had their eyes on the weddings, corporate events and special occasions market.
Mr Holyroyd expected The Pier to open in September.
“Like so many other Geelong people we have hoped for a long time to fully utilise Geelong’s premier location.”
The restaurant’s new head chef, Matt Dempsey, told the Independent earlier this year he couldn’t wait to get into the refurbished kitchen to start tackling his new role.The former Pettavel chef, who finished working at the award-winning Waurn Ponds winery in February, said diners could expect something “pretty fantastic” at The Pier.