Bar king Hemmes latest cash splash – $22 million for Sydney pub

Sydney bar king Justin Hemmes has added another establishment to his portfolio — a famed pub in the inner west which he says he has big plans for.

Hotelier Justin Hemmes has continued his recent cash splash by forking out $22 million for Leichardt venue, Nortons Irish Pub.

The Merivale boss is understood to be planning a massive refurbishment of the property that sits in prime position on the corner of Paramatta Road and Norton Street.

“It is such a privilege to be part of Sydney’s vibrant inner west,” Hemmes said.

Justin Hemmes at home in Sydney. Picture: Darren Leigh Roberts

“Every suburb has a unique energy, and their local pubs play a special role in shaping their culture. We’re excited to not only expand our inner west pub portfolio, but reopen doors to the 3 Weeds, a beautiful and much-loved local institution, this spring”.

Other Merivale properties in Sydney’s inner west include the 3 Weeds in Rozelle, the Queens Hotel in Enmore and Vic on the Park in Marickville.

Merivale will receive the keys to Nortons next month with the venue to trade as normal with future plans to be announced at a later date.

The news comes off the back of Hemmes move into Byron Bay, where The Sunday Telegraph reported he has purchased a major development site on Jonson Street for $50 million. There, Hemmes is believed to be planning a $20 million high end venue similar to his popular Coogee Pavilion in Sydney.

He is rumoured to have failed with his $40 million offer to buy nearby Bangalow Hotel earlier this year from the Mooney family, headed up by ex-rugby league legend Tom Mooney and wife Cathryn.

The move comes as the latest splurge in Hemmes property portfolio following his acquisition of Tomasetti House in Melbourne last month for $50 million.

Hemmes other Merivale venues include Totti’s, Felix, Queen Chow, The Paddington, Fred’s, The Collaroy, Palmer & Co, The Newport, Ms. G’s, the Allawah Hotel, the Ivy and El Loco.

Originally published as Bar king Hemmes latest cash splash – $22 million for Sydney pub