Five years after acquiring the Coogee Pavilion, Merivale is unveiling the much-anticipated middle level, boasting three distinct and well-considered spaces deserving of the location.
Taking the keys to the former Coogee Palace in 2014, Justin Hemmes’ hospitality juggernaut swiftly reworked and opened the vivacious street level, providing a dynamic variety of food and beverage options beside the famous beach.
In time for New Years’ Eve, the eclectic and picturesque Coogee Rooftop opened, based on the concept of home to an eccentric botanist, Mr Wiley, and accompanying f&b menus offering post-beach snacks to cocktails at sunset.
Between the two, the middle level has been quietly under consideration by Justin Hemmes and Merivale’s design team, Bettina Hemmes, Vince Alafaci, Caroline Choker of ACME, and stylist Amanda Talbot.
Set to finally open to the public in January is the eventual collaboration with executive chef Jordan Toft (Bert’s, Bar Topa), and reportedly “one of Merivale’s most ambitious projects to date”.
Coogee Pavilion middle level will be formed by three offerings, each a destination in its own right but guided by the cooking philosophy of Toft, sparked by “a Mediterranean heart, through an Australian lens”.
Toft says the group sees the seaside building as very special, and felt great responsibility in taking the time to do the site justice.
“Each experience has its own special personality and identity, but all are inspired by the generosity of regional dining around The Med – those moments when your heartrate slows down, you’re completely at ease and filled with gratitude for life’s simple pleasures.”
Mimi’s is a restaurant “fit for the vista” offering cool, calm interiors, framed by arched windows presenting ocean views and sea breezes. The menu is simplicity and constrained elegance, using skilful technique and craftmanship to deliver seafood, meat and fresh produce, with grills from the Josper, accompanied by crisp wines handpicked from over 500 bottles.
Will’s is the accompanying cocktail bar, exuding charm and a bon vivant attitude via a European-styled drinks list, melding classic cues from the Italian coastline with refreshing local influences.
Una Más is a local wine and tapas bar with a Mediterranean soul, inviting ‘walk off the beach’ locals for a quick bite or lazy few hours, over a menu influenced by both Spain and Australia.
Mimi’s and Will’s are named after Hemmes’ parents, Merivale and Mr John; Mimi being Mr John’s nickname for Merivale, and William being his birthname.
The Group has also launched its celebration in the CBD in anticipation of the impending removal of the lockout laws, aiming to inspire Sydneysiders to “get out and enjoy their city” again.
This Is Sydney is a diverse programme of free live music, laneway surprises, late-night bites and innovative initiatives that launched at the end of November.
It will host a huge line-up of live music, through a collaboration with TheMusic and Booze Co, new concepts and events such as the partnership with LBGTQI+ club night Poof Doof for a high-energy dance party every Saturday night at ivy. Full programme of events HERE.
There is also ‘Late Night Bites’ until the end of summer, offering 50 per cent off all bar food between 11pm and midnight, Tuesday to Saturday.
The offer extends to all CBD bars: Palings, Establishment Main Bar, Slip Inn, Pool Club, Palmer & Co, Bar Topa, Little Felix, Charlie Parker’s and the soon to open Bar Totti’s and Jimmy’s Falafel.
