Tag: merivale

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Recipes Travel

Chinese restaurant interior wows at Queen Chow, Manly

Don’t get me wrong, there’s something I love about a traditional Chinese restaurant interior. The paper lanterns, the waving cats, all that red (which I usually HATE in interiors!). It’s familiar, nostalgic and, like the menu, you know what you’re getting. I also have a penchant for today’s trendy and aesthetically slick Asian eateries and Manly’s new Queen Chow, the latest restaurant on the increasingly impressive Northern Beaches hospitality scene in Sydney, is definitely an example of the latter. The food looks pretty good too…

Yes, Merivale have done it again!

The exciting Cantonese concept on Manly Wharf opened last week, headed up by the dynamic duo behind Queen Chow Enmore, Patrick Friesen and Eric Koh. Friesen’s vision for the menu is classic neighbourhood Cantonese that celebrates great Australian produce. Inspired by the way that Cantonese food is recreated around the globe and using the best of what our country has to offer, Friesen hopes to add to the ever-evolving mosaic of what it is today.

“We want to create a place that echoes the sentiment of neighbourhood Chinese restaurants of years past, where people come often and with the people they love the most. Your local Chinese, with all the favourites, cooked beautifully,” he says. Like Queen Chow Enmore, he has taken inspiration from the tastes and aromas of Hong Kong’s famous dai pai dongs, but this time served with a beachside sensibility and plenty of Australian seafood on the menu.

Guests can start with a variety of flavour-packed appetisers – oysters with native finger lime, handmade wonton soup and BBQ Peking duck pancakes with cucumber, leek and hoisin – then indulge in some of Australia’s finest mud crab, lobster and pippies, wok-fried with XO, or Singapore’s black pepper sauce. There are half shell scallops with XO vermicelli, garlic butter king prawns and black pepper Moreton Bay bugs – all best enjoyed with Queen Chow’s special fried rice and juicy Asian greens on the side.

Queen Chow Manly will also embrace the nostalgia of local Chinese restaurants that dot our landscape, evoking rich food memories of sticky honey king prawns, Mongolian lamb sang choi bao, and deep-fried ice cream with butterscotch sauce. Enmore’s signature BBQ platters of roast duck and honey glazed char siu pork will also make an appearance. Who else is drooling about now?!

The dim sum menu has been expertly crafted by Koh, highly regarded as one of the greatest dim sum masters in the world. Bringing with him 35 years’ experience including tenures at Mr. Wong and London’s Michelin-starred Hakkasan and Yauatcha, he has made the artistry of dim sum his life’s work. He will be feeding Manly’s hungry masses his famous steamed, baked and fried dumplings, including scallop and prawn siu mai, prawn har gau, jade seafood, wild mushroom, pork xiao long bao and egg custard tarts.

The drinks list takes inspiration from the flavour of Friesen’s food and uses fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices found in the kitchen. Curated by Franck Moreau and Adrian Filiuta, the wine list is relaxed and approachable, with a selection of over 200 classic, organic, biodynamic and premium wines from Australia and around the world. There is a natural focus on Riesling and lighter style reds to befit the waterside setting.

Elegant yet casual, and drenched in natural light and spectacular views of Sydney Harbour, the space itself bares the bones of the original Papi Chulo restaurant, while deep green timbers, dark woods and marble bring it into a new era. Three group tables are fitted with a much-loved throwback, the Lazy Susan. A zinc clad oyster bar takes pride of place next to the kitchen, while the live fish tank greets guests on arrival.

Queen Chow Manly, 22-23 East Esplanade, Manly, Tel: 02 9114 7341

Prefer to stay home and cook your own? Try this Adam Law recipe for steamed chilli and lime fish.

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Designers

Be transported to the Mediterranean in Merivale’s latest venue

I’ve visited the new iteration of The Newport in Sydney’s Northern Beaches quite a few times. It’s one of those spaces that completely turns the definition of pub on its head. Think pops of pink, cactus gardens, a vintage gymnasium and plenty of marble. It’s out of the box, but not over the top… a fine line to tread.

While the iconic venue re-opened under their ownership in March 2016, that was only phase one. Now stage two has officially launched, with the opening of the highly anticipated bar and brasserie, Bert’s on the first floor. Taking cues from the grand hotel dining rooms of the 1930s, the vibe is relaxed, with a quintessential Northern Beaches air. Designed by Merivale’s design team of owner Justin Hemmes, his sister Bettina Hemmes, Akin Creative’s Kelvin Ho and stylist Amanda Talbot, the brasserie’s name had close family ties, with Bert being Bettina’s nickname at school.

Serving a Mediterranean menu, the kitchen features charcoal ovens and basque grills, while the chefs cook from an impressive centre kitchen. “We wanted to create that sense of relaxed indulgence you experience on a coastal European holiday,” says Executive Chef Jordan Toft. “To capture the feeling when you decide to order the fresh lobster or relax into the afternoon with champagne and oysters. It is very special, yet completely fuss-free.”

Alongside the food is a 750-strong wine list, focusing on classic Australian and European wines, emerging and quirky labels and an impressive selection of rosé. Guests have the option of enjoying it at the restaurant or at Bert’s elegant yet informal bar; a destination in its own right inspired by American country clubs.

Merivale will also open its neighbouring Northern Beaches pub, The Collaroy in late summer. Stay tuned!

Find out more | Venues we love

 

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Designers Interviews Kitchens

Head chef central to the design process of new Merivale venue

Located on Oxford Street in Sydney’s Paddington, Fred’s and Charlie Parker’s are the latest offering from the seemingly inexhaustible Merivale team (seriously, do they ever sleep?), and this time, the venue’s head chef was very involved in the design process. And with a beautiful open kitchen the centrepiece of the space, it’s easy to understand why.

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Fred’s dining room and open kitchen

“The head chef isn’t usually involved in the design process but when you’re talking about open kitchens, it’s a good idea to have chef involvement so that design doesn’t over take the function and purpose of a commercial kitchen,” says Danielle Alvarez, whose favourite aspect of the kitchen is its large central wooden bench. “Since the kitchen is in the middle of the room, I had to be a part of the whole process. It was fascinating to work with such talented designers,” says Danielle, who worked on the project with the Merivale design team.

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Fred’s

Located upstairs, Fred’s is the restaurant while Charlie Parker’s is the bar below – the overall design is rather Francophile with old French chateaux a key point of inspiration. “It’s inspired by a French bastide, with rich browns, dusty pinks and petrol blues. Deep, rich old world joinery blend against the grittiness of the old sandstone, bricks and peeling walls,” says Danielle of the spaces that also feature rich dark wood, leather and red veined marble tops. “Many old elements were retained including cosy little rooms and exposed original brick walls so that it doesn’t feel too new,” says Danielle.

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Charlie Parker’s – underground bar

“At Fred’s, we knew we wanted the fire to be the central focus and that good, solid, beautiful materials would be used throughout, nothing too dainty but still fine and attention paid to detail.  I think for the design team this screamed old world chateau but kept light. As for Charlie Parker’s I think it needed a point of distinction and because it is a bit underground it was naturally going to be a bit darker, more hidden, more speakeasy,” says Danielle.

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Charlie Parker’s

As for another unique design feature, Charlie Parker’s has a free-flowing underground stream that runs under it too. “Justin (Hemmes) put a glass plate over a portion of it so you can see it running, especially when it rains outside. It’s near the toilets at Charlie Parker’s which is funny but I love that they tried to highlight something that was actually so problematic during the design process.”

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The open kitchen at Fred’s

Click here for more.

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Designers

Merivale makeover: The vast & eclectic hotel The Newport

Drawing on diverse influences such as The Hamptons, Montauk, the Mediterranean, and even a classic English garden, historic Sydney hotel The Newport has had a Merivale makeover and we like it a lot. Formerly known as The Newport Arms, the northern beaches venue boasts over 900 seats and combines several food offerings from a juice bar to a burger shack, coffee kiosk and pizza stall with fire pits, a live music stage and games area too.

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Main bar

“With such a vast venue we had to come up with a concept that would logistically work for so many people, so we took inspiration from festivals and created different food offerings,” says Merivale stylist Amanda Talbot, who says the team tried hard to balance practical concerns with respect for the history of the site. “We wanted to create a space in which locals and visitors would have fun and that people of all ages, from all walks of life, would feel comfortable in.”

The Deck live music area

The Terrace takes inspiration from the outdoor parks in Europe while The Deck is where live music is performed. “We took cues from Montauk in the US for the live music area and over at The Burger Shack we looked at Moroccan cactus gardens to drive our design,” says Amanda. Possibly our favourite area, for its good looks and bonus interactivity, the games area tucked behind The Kiosk is inspired by vintage gymnasiums.

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Games area

“The concept of the games area came from when we designed the Coogee Pavilion. I really wanted to create a space that was not a crèche but would engage people of all ages to use it. I’m not sure why I came up with a giant magnetic scrabble board but I just thought it would be a fun game to play when you have a drink with your friends and would add extra theatre to the space,” says Amanda.

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Ping Pong tables

“Regarding the ping pong tables, we all thought it was a more social game than pool and is a fun game. It’s really nice to see how different age groups move through the games area throughout the day. It starts with toddlers in the morning and adults of all ages in the evening after dinner. It’s nice to have a space where parents can go and know their children can have some fun in a venu.”

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The Kiosk

In operation since the 1880s, the venue’s rich history and local importance was a key consideration throughout the design process. “I have been to the venue and met three generations of family members enjoying the space who have so many wonderful stories to share. It was really important for us to keep the community feel in the space so we engaged local furniture makers, artists, and even outdoor umbrella makers who all live within the northern beaches. We also designed large tables because it is common for extended family and groups of friends to gather there,” says Amanda.

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Fire pits

One aspect that certainly fosters a communal vibe is the outdoor fire pits. “Everyone loves to sit around a fire, especially when it is outside, so we created three seating zones throughout the venue where people could sit around and chat. It’s a really nice spot to meet people and get to know the locals,” says Amanda.

See here for more.

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Competitions Designers Dining Styling

Learn bar styling secrets with Merivale (win tickets & dinner)

If we’re honest, when Justin Hemmes opens a new Sydney hospitality venture, we’re probably more interested in its design features than its culinary offering. Original, iconic and market-leading, Hemmes’ Merivale Sydney bars and restaurants are always defined by their fabulous interiors (oh, and the food and drinks too…).

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Coogee Pavilion

Next Monday (7 March), Sydneysiders can get the insider tips when Justin and Bettina Hemmes, architect and interior designer Kelvin Ho (of The Paddington and Coogee Pavilion fit-out fame) and stylist Amanda Talbot host an intimate evening called Style Me Merivale at The Ivy. We have two tickets and dinner to give away to a lucky reader but more on that later…

From a venue’s conception to how much its location and food influence its interior, it’s sure to be a hugely informative evening, hosted by Vogue Living editor in chief and The Block judge Neale Whitaker. You’ll learn how to take high-end interior design ideas and translate them to your own home at a fraction of the price.

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Coogee Pavilion

We chatted to Amanda Talbot, who says while being inspired by others is great, you should always be true to your own style first and foremost. “The biggest advice I can give to people is to design your home for you and not get caught up in the latest trends. Take the anti-design approach so that your home feels timeless and provides comfort.

“The best way to give a hospitality venue longevity is by not getting caught up in current trends as they will date very quickly. The other trap many people fall into is creating spaces that are very themed,” adds Amanda, who loves to mix old and new furniture. I often buy furniture from the Salvation Army or eBay at bargain prices and get it reupholstered. Invest in some custom pieces and give yourself a brief – it’s the perfect way to make sure you stick to your design and don’t stray.

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Coogee Pavilion games area

“With a commercial space, it’s important to get people to connect with an environment without any of their personal belongings and the best way to do this is by connecting to people’s senses, nostalgia and to give the space a buzz.”

As for a venue’s location, it’s a very important consideration when designing from scratch. “Location is fundamental to the interior because it dictates the people who will be coming to the venue and the location also holds history that we can use to inject into the space. For instance, with Coogee Pavilion, I found out Coogee was famous for Sydneysiders to catch a tram from the city and go whale-watching during whale season. The original building also used to house a roller skating and fun park so it gave us the idea to build a games area for children and adults.”

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Coogee Pavilion

What’s on the menu can also dictate the direction the interior takes. “Fred’s is based on head chef Daniel’s philosophies. The food is honest and the cooking is done over an open hearth which gave us the cues for the space.”

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Coogee Pavilion

The creative team start with mood boards in what is a very collaborative design process. “We are like a big family on the Merivale projects. I work alongside Justin and Bettina Hemmes and architect Kelvin Ho depending on what project and we all go through every detail together,” says Amanda.

Monday’s event promises to be “all your Pinterest dreams come true”! Tickets are $45 including drinks on arrival. Get your tickets here

One lucky reader will win two tickets to the event plus dinner for two at Uccello –to the value of $150– afterwards. To enter, complete the form below by midnight tomorrow (Thursday 3 March 2016).

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Categories
Recipes

Sydney’s new whisky bar will transport you back in time

I can’t get enough of Sydney’s bar scene, and the latest offering by hospitality giant Merivale, J&M, is an intimate whisky bar that pays homage to where it all began. And I love it!

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What many may not know, is Merivale was once a fashion brand, and their multi-level fashion outlet, House of Merivale, once stood exactly where J&M now stands, on Level 2 of the historic Angel Hotel in Sydney.

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A cultural phenomenon, The House of Merivale lit a fire beneath Australia’s staid fashion world. Modelled on the fun and frivolity of London’s concept boutiques, these eye-popping outlets not only influenced an entire generation of young Australians, but also introduced an entirely new concept to local retail. House of Merivale at The Angel also launched one of Merivale’s first forays into hospitality, with an innovative restaurant and espresso bar located on Level 2.

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[contextly_sidebar id=”2EcSd9wNfzk4hNo2raew68hPlaQJm4Q7″]Now with Level 2 returned to a bar once more, it reflects on the building’s rich fashion history with sumptuous interiors of rich green velvets, sleek brown leathers and copper accents. Boasting luxurious chesterfield sofas and a long glass bar, alongside its hero feature – a specially imported drinks trolley, it also includes bespoke haberdashery cabinets filled with the ingredients that make up the rich, multi-layered aromas of Chivas 18 – dried fruits, buttery toffee and dark chocolate.

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Guests can lounge and enjoy the personal trolley service or sit by the bar to learn more about whisky from experts in the field and taste exclusive whiskies not available for purchase anywhere else in Australia. J&M also offers an ever-changing list of specially crafted cocktails and a short, nostalgic menu offering a tasty selection of small dishes to enjoy with a cocktail before or after dinner.

For more information.

Categories
Homewares Interviews Styling

Sibella Court’s new space, TV show and book and life as a travelling mum

It’s been a long time since we’ve heard much from Sibella Court, the Sydney stylist with a (no exaggeration really) cult following. But rest assured, behind the scenes, it is all happening! Today, we’re bringing you all the news on her new warehouse premises, TV show, boutique accommodation, book and last but by no means least daughter, baby Silver.

Low key Sibella is as busy as ever. Image by
Low key Sibella is as busy as ever

Sibella recently opened an amazing warehouse space – the all new Society Inc — in Sydney’s St Peters and we couldn’t wait to shoot it. Replacing her former tiny, packed-to-the-rafters shop in Paddington, it’s quite a change but the aesthetic is as distinctly Sibella as ever.

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“At the beginning of last year, I saw the space for sale on Doody Street, a space I knew well from my early styling years. I viewed it, it was completely out of my price bracket and way too big, but it woke my imagination to be in a much larger space,” she says.

“I create interiors and I wanted clients, guests and customers to be able to experience the pages of my books by walking through sets, installations and vignettes and purchasing the pieces I put in my hospitality spaces (Ms G’s, Mr Wong, El Loco, Palmer & Co and Bistrode CBD to name but a few), as well as celebrating all the fabulous makers, designers, artists and creators I work with and have forged friendships with over a 20+ year career in the styling world.”

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The L-shape space has been split into 65% public and 35% private. The public space will be “a combination of retail, installation, activity, magic and fantasy; a sensory experience that feels as though you’re walking amongst the pages of one of my books,” also used for workshops, talks, photography, dinner parties, flea markets, launches, events and whatever else takes her fancy. “It will showcase some of our handpicked favourite people, artists and companies that we have loved and worked with over the years.”

Sibella and her team will be launching brands not previously available in Australia from all over the globe (the USA, Netherlands, the Caribbean and the UK to name but a few) and if there’s one woman who knows how to curate, it’s her! There’ll also be two container sales a year from her travel destinations.

The dream space will also serve as an art gallery, where you can purchase the pieces displayed within her installations and vignettes. “Above all else, it will an interactive space that changes and invites conversation, with exciting products, exchange of ideas and fun!” The private side of the space will serve as a studio for her hospitality design work, ever-popular books and product development.

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But that’s not all! That beautiful little 1860s corner terrace in leafy Paddington, which used to house The Society Inc, is now on Airbnb and you can stay there, or indeed host an event in the space. “We’ve turned it into a pied-a-terre; a one-bedroom hotel, a very boutique experience. It’s aimed at the weary pilgrim who needs to rest their head after a long journey, however with a little more than a humble stretcher.

“We are often asked by curious international parties about our favourite Australian furniture makers, artists, crafters, textile designers, dyers, tinkers and smiths and the like. This is where we will be showcasing some our favourites and sharing the love. It will be a sensory experience; an imaginarium of curiosities, forever changing and never finished, again, like being in the pages of one of my books.” A huge fan of sites like Airbnb and onefinestay, she hopes to appeal to those seeking a personal experience that gives their adventures a richer and deeper involvement in a Sydney stay and a fond memory to take home. Well, I live in Sydney and I’m despearately trying to find an excuse to stay there myself!

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Sibella is not known for being a self-publicist (some would say an essential part of the stylist’s job these days) and perhaps her air of mystery, ironically, is what keeps people coming back for more. She also travels so far and wide that she is rarely in town for long. But becoming a mum hasn’t slowed down the laidback bowerbird. “Silver comes along for the ride and she is only little so she fits into my Filson bag! As any small business owner knows, there is no rest for the wicked. I have two babies now – Silver and The Society Inc.”

But we’re happy to hear we’ll see a lot more of the stylist this year. After two years of shooting, Sibella has a TV show coming up on the ABC later this year called Restoration Australia. “This year is as busy as ever with lots of hospitality spaces being designed, new product ranges in fragrance, furniture and soft furnishings, an Anthropologie collaboration, The Stylist’s Guide to the Globe (her latest book), collaborations and plenty of exciting, cool stuff.”

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She’ll never be in one spot for too long though: “Part of my job description is to travel — it is the root of my inspiration for all things.”

The Society Inc. | Warehouse 3.02, 75 Mary Street, St Peters, NSW 2044 

Photography by Jacqui Turk

Categories
Interiors Addict

The Aparttment, a new lifestyle retail concept

I happened to stumble across The Aparttment (yes, with two Ts) on its opening day yesterday. It’s a new European-style concept store in Sydney, bringing together interiors, lifestyle and fashion products which change every few months.

the aparttment

You’ll currently find new furniture brand Max Sparrow, T2 tea, Tight Tigers fashion label and Cadrys rugs among the goodies on display.

Continue reading “The Aparttment, a new lifestyle retail concept”
Categories
Interiors Addict

Sibella Court workshop on commercial spaces

If you’re interested in styling commercial spaces then Sibella Court’s latest workshop Commercial Concepts could be just for you.

Learn about the ins and outs of designing a commercial space on 8 February 2012 from 6.30pm. Super stylist Sibella will hold court (pardon the pun) in one of the spaces she has designed. She will discuss the entire process: coming up with a brief, concept development, colour palette, furniture and finishes, installation and final touches.

You will be able to understand how commercial interiors come to be through physical examples of the space that you are in. Chat with Sibella about how research and history creates a strong conceptual foundation and how the steps that follow are all based on this.

Shopping, sourcing, creating a colour palette, applying an idea to space, considering seating and floorplan, arranging furniture, art installation and styling will all be discussed.

Location still to be disclosed but it will be a venue that Sibella has designed in Sydney city (Interiors Addict would guess it’ll be one of the Merivale bars/restaurants). Complimentary alcoholic drink on arrival.

Buy your ticket ($80 each) here.

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