With Neil Perry a confirmed starter to open a 170-seat restaurant at the Pallas House development, next door to the Royal Oak Hotel in Double Bay, we have an update on Perry's Pallas House neighbour.

Damien Monley, who built a loyal clientele up the hill at Flat White Cafe before decamping to the Southern Highlands, is opening a 55-seater next to Perry's latest venture. Speculation is it'll be Middle Eastern.

"I'll play around with those flavours, but I'm not calling it Fatima's or Abdullah's," says Monley. "It'll be called Roxy's after my youngest daughter."

The menu will have a roaming brief, and Monley will bring some of the country back to the city when he relocates.

"The design brief is rustic country kitchen pantry."

He's already making preserves and pickling display items.