Merivale tycoon Justin Hemmes’ secret surprise 50th birthday party at the ivy

Merivale staff sprung a surprise on the boss with a secret party for Justin Hemmes at the ivy to mark his 50th birthday — one of a series of celebrations for the hospitality baron.

Merivale tycoon Justin Hemmes has celebrated his 50th birthday with a surprise party at his ivy nightclub.

Staff at the hospitality group organised the event for their boss who turned 50 on August 27.

About 250 people were present at the event including Merivale’s star chefs like Jordan Toff (from Mimi’s and Berts) and Totti’s Mike Eggert.

Hemmes was toasted with a cake and cocktails, while a giant screen projected the image: ‘Happy Birthday to Our Fearless Leader.’

Staff also wore party hats with pictures of Hemmes on them.

Justin Hemmes’ surprise 50th at the ivy. Picture: Instagram

Staff members wore party hats with Justin Hemmes’ face on them.

The DJ was under instruction to play Hemmes’ favourite song, the PNAU remix of Dua Lipa and Elton John’s Cold Heart.

A source said while it’s very hard to surprise a man who is across everything in his venues, they managed to pull it off this time.

Justin Hemmes with his girlfriend Madeline Holtznagel.

Justin Hemmes at the $1m Merivale staff party earlier this year. Picture: Supplied

It’s understood this is one of many parties Hemmes is having to mark the milestone birthday.

Over the weekend, Hemmes’ model girlfriend Madeline Holtznagel shared a series of posts on Instagram to commemorate his birthday.

The 26-year-old showed the couple on their private jet and days at the beach.

“Happy birthday my love, I adore you,” she wrote.

Earlier this year Hemmes closed his venues to host a staff party for more than 4500 people, costing close to $1m.

Hemmes has also been toasting some business success recently as well, with the opening of the new Allianz Stadium, in which Merivale group has the exclusive hospitality contract for, along with the adjoining SCG.

There are 64 food and beverage outlets at the new $828 million stadium, which had an official open day on August 28 and will host its first events on Friday, September 2 with the NRLW Sydney Roosters v St George Illawarra Dragons, plus the NRL Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs game.