By Andrew Starke
Merivale has launched two new Sydney venues with plans also unveiled for a refurbishment of the Beresford Hotel.
Ms G’s and Felix have both opened this month while Merivale CEO Justin Hemmes told TheShout of his plans to develop the Surry Hills property he acquired in April this year for $14.6 million.
“Level one is in the process of being developed,” he said. “We have already done a three / four day makeover of the ground floor where we got stuck in with a team of about 60 people working 20 hours a day.”
“That was just changing the lighting, décor and furniture but level one of the Beresford will be getting a full makeover.
“It will open in early to mid 2011 and will combine a live venue with a cool Surry Hills lounge bar.”
Felix officially opened on Thursday (Dec 2) and aims to add a touch of Paris to the Ash Street laneway and greater ivy complex.
The 140-seater restaurant will be complemented by laneway seating for 30 patrons.
Inside there is a semi-circular oyster and crustacean bar where patrons can enjoy a pre-dinner drink or order a casual bite to eat.
The design, by award-winning designer Michael McCann and Dreamtime Australia, includes Parisian subway tiles on the walls, a pewter bar, chandeliers imported from France and American oak panelling.
Francophiles will be pleased to hear that 85 percent of the wine list, which features more than 400 wines, is dedicated to French wines.
Ms G’s is a modern Asian restaurant that has opened in the Victoria Street, Potts Point space that formerly housed XO, Wokpool and Arthurs Nightclub in the eighties.
The four staggered floors will feature several dining spaces alongside distinctive bar options.
The fit-out is described as ‘anti-design’ and features a graffiti wall and communal tables, exposed chimneys and a pink neon sign hanging over the roller door entrance.
The top floor bar promises a ‘kooky cocktail list featuring made to order packaged and “upackaged” drinks’, but says guests will need to visit to find out more.
Together with Felix and Ms G’s, Merivale’s restaurant portfolio now includes the three-hatted est, Sushi e, Uccello, Sailors Thai ivy, Mad Cow, Ash Street Cellar, Sushi Choo, Bistrode CBD and Lotus.