LB’s Record Bar to open in October as the first Melbourne venue of Justin Hemmes’ Merivale empire

Billionaire Justin Hemmes is taking a vinyl-only approach to his first Melbourne venue at the site of a much-loved cocktail bar and he says it is “just the beginning”.

Justin Hemmes says he is committed to a long-term investment in Melbourne’s hospitality scene and community. Picture: Mick Bruzzese

Sydney hospitality king Justin Hemmes will make his business debut in Melbourne with the opening of a new vinyl and agave bar in early October.

The billionaire’s long-term commitment to our hospitality scene with his Merivale empire kicks off with LB’s Record Bar at 12-18 Meyers Place — the Kantay House site which was once home to the much-loved cocktail bar Lily Blacks.

The new CBD bar will open where Lily Blacks was. Picture: Tony Gough

Renowned Melbourne stalwarts Zara and Michael Madrusan will lead the venue with an agave-focused cocktail program.

The vinyl-only bar features a collection sourced from Melbourne’s independent record stores, curated by Nick van Tiel and brought to life by local music talent and DJs.

“We’re committed to a long-term investment in Melbourne’s hospitality scene and community,’’ Hemmes told the Herald Sun.

Justin Hemmes with partner Madeline Holtznagel. Picture: Richard Dobson

“Opening our first venue here is just the beginning, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with talented local operators like Zara and Michael on this project.”

Hemmes’ choice of name is a nod to the venue’s former custodians while bringing a new chapter to one of Melbourne’s most iconic laneways.

“We’ve always loved Lily Blacks and the unofficial Little Latin precinct that is Meyer’s Place,’’ said Michael Madrusan.

“We’re excited at the opportunity to breathe new life into this iconic space with the support of some superstar alumni from The Everleigh and Bar Margaux.”

Zara Madrusan added: “We look forward to working with Merivale on integrating into Melbourne with a venue that has been created in conversation with a city that we are still so proud to serve, 15 years on.”

In February Hemmes snapped up 34-60 Little Collins Street, paying $55 million for the eight level council car park in the street’s Paris End.

His ambitious redevelopment plans for that site include a mix of bars, accommodation plus a sky garden and art gallery.

Merivale already owns Tomasetti House on nearby Flinders Lane which is currently under development and is “full steam ahead” with plans to open next year.

Hemmes’ first foray into Victoria was marked by his acquisition of the historic Lorne Hotel for $38 million in May 2021, followed by the opening of iconic Sydney restaurant Totti’s in the hotel’s ground floor in March 2023.

Hemmes and his model partner Madeline Holtznagel welcomed their first child together in June, a boy named Jaeger.