Having witnessed their historic local the 3 Weeds blossom again, residents of Rozelle are now complaining about the success and popularity of the Merivale-reinvented pub on the insular peninsula.
Long known as the Rose Shamrock & Thistle Hotel, the beloved hotel has marked a corner of Darling Street since 1881, just a few hundred metres from arterial Victoria Road.
Building a name for itself as a gastro pub in the gentrified precinct since the early 2000s, Justin Hemmes’ Merivale bought it in early 2019. In 2021 the hotel saw installation of the third outlet of the group’s successful restaurant brand Totti’s.
But Rozelle NIMBYS are not happy about the popularity of the pub or its restaurant, complaining about noise, parking pressures and increased traffic as patrons look to park, claiming it is ruining their neighbourhood.
Inner West Council has been brought in to mediate on the dispute, meeting with residents and representatives of the venue on-site in August.
Concerns were broached as to how such a business could have been approved in the affluent residential area, with complainants voicing that there had been an increase in patronage – despite previous indications there would be no increase to patronage, they said.
Merivale representative advised that the Hotel prioritises compliance, safety and access, and wants to be part of the community and “desires to work with the residents”.
Possible solutions raised in the meeting included greater parking restrictions, discounts for locals, and encouraging patrons to use public transport.
Totti’s staff have been instructed to not park near the hotel, security has been increased to assist with patron entry and exit, and group bookings are being encouraged to use group transport.
Inner West mayor Darcy Byrne has actively worked to foster business and visitation to the Balmain peninsula, and suggests “we need more” of the kind of high profile and successful venue the Weeds has become in the neighbourhood.
But he concedes the Hotel “could be doing more” to manage the movement of patrons, and that council has the remit to review parking arrangements.
Council acknowledges infrastructure for the second stage of the Western Harbour Tunnel has put additional strain on parking in the precinct, and a formalised approach to the dispute was only decided upon at the latest meeting. It has committed to conducting community consultation about furthering parking restrictions, and plans to better enforce parking infringements, to help ensure sufficient turnover of “non-resident parking”.
Merivale GM Frank Roberts reiterated that the group’s goal is to sustain the Rozelle relationship.
“The 3 Weeds has been a significant part of the local community for over 130 years.
“It was a labour of love to bring her back to life and continue that tradition as a beautiful, family friendly venue.”
