Merivale CEO Justin Hemmes unveils latest plans for summer at The Newport
PUB tsar Justin Hemmes has revealed the next stage of The Newport’s redevelopment as well as what is planned for the iconic venue’s first summer.
Manly
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THE Newport will make a start on its upmarket restaurant by Christmas, Merivale chief executive Justin Hemmes has revealed.
“The Newport is a big job. The indoor space is falling into place,” Mr Hemmes said.
“It is going to be quite special — a balance of elegance and sophistication.”
Work on the DA-approved upstairs restaurant would start before Christmas, the hospitality tycoon added.
Building should start within six weeks.
“It shouldn’t be too noisy because we have done all the major structural work,” Mr Hemmes said.
“It’s not going the same as the outside area but it will complement it as beautiful dining area and wine bar.”
The upmarket dining room should be open mid-2017.
“At a push, I hope to have it finished by July,” he said.
“The response from locals has inspired me to work even harder.”
Mr Hemmes’ frequent visits to the pub, flying or driving from his eastern suburbs home, are focusing on this next phase of renovation with interior designer, sister Bettina, and architect Akin Creative.
Meanwhile the pub’s new summer season starts Monday.
From surf movies to DJs, live music and a raft of week night and weekend activities for the kids, Merivale’s northern beaches pub has a packed program of activities.
Mr Hemmes is understandably enthusiastic about the iconic venue’s first summer.
“With a calendar of daily experiences and live music events we are a set for a phenomenal first summer,” he said.
The Sydney hotelier has seen his venue transform from a building site into a welcoming destination.
Eight months ago it was a race against the clock to finish the venue in time for its Easter opening.
Tilers were still at work when the first crowds walked in.
“It has been the most incredible eight months, the venue has found its soul, its beating heart,” he said.
“It feels as though it has always been here, I love it and we’ve had wonderful response.”
With Pittwater as the backdrop, The Newport has been designed as a series of outdoor rooms and stylish eating options under new executive chef Jordan Toft.
Landscaping has been softened with mature trees, pots and shrubs.
“Everything is flourishing, the gardens are constantly evolving — we’ve just brought in more pots,” Mr Hemmes said.
As an integral part of the Newport community, Mr Hemmes wants his pub to draw on that sense of place.
The Newport is a family-friendly establishment. Children are welcome and so are well-behaved dogs on leads.
The hands-on boss often brings his partner Kate and their toddler, Alexa, who turns one this month, to the venue.
“They’ll come along with me once a fortnight or so. Alexa is into everything,” he said.
Merivale had a busy end to the year, he said.
“Fred’s and Charlie Parker’s has just opened and Enmore (The Queen Victoria) is opening late November.”
Summer fun at The Newport
Monday: Running, yoga and paddleboarding, summer films program at night
Tuesday: Surf movies and BYO boards to swap and sell
Wednesday: Interactive kid activities rotating each week — circus school, hip hop and cooking classes
Thursday: Live music showcase of local youth talent
Friday: Happy hour (7-8pm), DJs and music
Weekends: Family entertainment, acoustic performances, DJs. Sunday Sundown returns on December 4. Champagne, hampers and petanque from November 17
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