Justin North to spearhead Sydney restaurant

Chef Justin North has partnered with Ovolo Hotels to open Mister Percy, a new wine bar and kitchen at Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour.

Slated to open in July, Mister Percy will focus around European-style dining, with share plates and a strong list of Mediterranean wines.

North has worked alongside head chef Luca Guiotto (ex-A Tavola, Catalina) on the menu, which features a selection of pinchos and larger share-style dishes showcasing classic Mediterranean flavours and local Australian produce.

Highlights include grilled Port Lincoln sardine tart with tomato, black olive and basil; chargrilled Clarence River baby octopus with local chorizo and pickled green chilli and local burrata with prosciutto, pea shoots, fried potato skins and grissini.

“We’re taking our guests on a journey with beautiful wine matched with Mediterranean-style pinchos showcasing the best local ingredients,” says North. :We’ve drawn on flavours from around the European coastline and it’s not surprising that it’s exactly what we like to eat and drink here.”

The drinks program has been curated by consulting sommelier Chris Morrison, who has worked alongside Ovolo Hotel’s newly appointed group wine curator Shun Eto (formerly of QT).

The wine list will focus on Mediterranean-style wines and varietals such as Jamsheed Rousanne from Beechworth and Nick Spencer ‘Dry Red’ Touriga-Shiraz blend from Gundagai, with many available by the glass.

Renowned interior designers Luchetti Krelle have designed the restaurant and bar space, which occupies an intimate space in the former woolstore. Mister Percy pays homage to hotel’s history, both in its decor and name, which is a tribute to Percy Ewart, a former wool classer who worked at the original woolstore.

“When we came to choosing a name we jumped at the opportunity to pay homage to Percy and the building’s rich history,” says Ovolo 1888 general manager Amanda Cottome. “Percy’s name is engraved into one of the sandstone blocks in the hotel and has always been one of the many stories that can be told about the property.”