Not that we needed an excuse to hit the iconic Great Ocean Road, but there’s a cruisy new seafood joint in Lorne that’s worth the trip alone. Neighbouring the newly revived Lorne Theatre, it's aptly named the Clam and locals are already flocking in like moths to a flame.
Co-owners David Moyle (ex-Longsong, Rising, Laneway Festival) and George Barnes dreamt up the nostalgic space as a way to pay homage to the seaside town’s bohemian past. Only oldies might remember, but back in the day, Lorne was a known hot spot for musicians, artists, surfers and the countercultural community.
“Back in the 1960s, some pretty notable Aussie bands came and played here in Lorne. Looking back at the photos from the era you get a sense of the creative spirit of the time; that Lorne was this unique place at the end of the earth where interesting things were happening,” Barnes explains. “With the Clam, we really want to evoke some of that same spirit.”
Most of the action takes place on the festoon-lit outdoor deck, a space designed for rotating food vendor pop-ups (Shandong Mama recently joined the party), wines curated by Blackhearts and Sparrows, and live music performances. In summer, it’s an epic outdoor party, but in winter, there’ll be fireplaces and plenty of cosy corners to keep visitors warm.
As a youngster growing up in Port Fairy, Moyle says Lorne felt “like Los Angeles.”
“Even now, driving into town, I still get goosebumps – it’s such a special place,” says Moyle. “I spent a summer here as a teenager and remember thinking I would love to return and run my own place someday,” he explains. “25 years later, you could say the Clam is the realisation of a long-held dream.”
Whether you drop in for a pint and piping hot fish and chips, or round up the crew for a cheeky sunset sesh with live DJs, it’s the perfect haven for feel-good vibes – and Lorne’s all the better for it. Oh, and if you’re partial to a fish sanga, the ones here will hit the spot.
Our advice? Make a night of it and catch a flick next door after dinner. For more info, check out the Clam's Instagram.
