Merivale acquires first Melbourne venue

With nearly 70 venues throughout Sydney, Merivale is a big player in the city’s hospitality scene. And this week, the group has announced it will expand to Melbourne.

Merivale has confirmed it has acquired Tomasetti House on 277 Flinders Lane, marking the group’s first venue outside of New South Wales, and its second outside of Sydney.

“Melbourne is a very special city, with a unique energy and an inimitable soul,” says Merivale CEO Justin Hemmes.

“Its local hospitality industry is one of the best in the world; brimming with creative culinary talent and supported by a passionate community of diners. We are honoured to open our first venue in Melbourne, and cannot wait to work alongside so many local industry greats.”

Originally built by William Degraves & Co. in 1853 as a grain storage, the historic Tomasetti House was last purchased in 2014 by the Sydney-based Millett family, who transformed it into an upmarket hostel containing accommodation as well as a restaurant, cafe, bar and nightclub.

At this stage there is no indication as to what Merivale is planning for the building. The group will be receiving the keys later this year, and further details on the concept will be released “in due course”.

Hemmes says the past year has led to a “collective appreciation for our own backyard”.

“I am extremely passionate about continuing to invest in an industry that defines so much of our vibrant culture,” he says.

“Melbourne’s CBD has suffered terribly from the hardships of the past year. We are committed to doing everything we can to help reinvigorate the city and support it in its road to recovery.”