Merivale will open Bert’s at The Newport in January, offering a cocktail lounge and a dining space.
The space is the second phase of Merivale’s redevelopment of the site.
The venue will be led by executive chef Jordan Toft with the drinks taken care of by group sommelier MS Frank Moreau and group bars manager Sam Egerton.
Bert’s will offer a European menu fit for the Northern beaches. Open kitchens will be on show, displaying charcoal ovens and basque grills.
The menu starts with the raw bar’s offerings of natural oysters, dressed crab and toasted brioche canapés followed by leaf salads and charcuterie from the larder.
For mains, diners can choose lobster from the tank, a selection of beef or whole fish roasted in the charcoal oven or cooked over the basque grills. Dessert is also on offer.
“We want to create that sense of relaxed indulgence you experience on a coastal European holiday; to capture that feeling when you decide to order the fresh lobster or relax into the afternoon with champagne and oysters,” says Toft.
Wines will be displayed in a cellar at the entrance, curated with master sommelier Franck Moreau’s unrivalled expertise.
Moreau has focused on classic Australian wines, including back vintages of Riesling, Semillon, Shiraz and Cabernet, alongside European wines and emerging labels.
The Bert’s bar will be a destination in its own right, serving a cocktail list developed by Sam Egerton. Taking cues from grand European hotels and American country clubs, each drink represents one of the classic styles, with influence from seasonal and local produce.
The Bert’s Bar will also serve a selection of snacks from the main menu, alongside dishes of the one hand variety, like tea sandwiches.
“Our long-term vision for the venue is to create a destination that genuinely has something for everyone — all occasions, ages, budgets and tastes,” says CEO Justin Hemmes.
“We opened the outdoor area first to provide a vibrant gathering place where friends and families can get together over a beer and a casual bite to eat. Now with the launch of Bert’s, we can offer a special experience for those wanting that little something extra.”