Sydney hospitality group, Merivale, will next month launch the first stage of its redevelopment of The Newport Arms, which it acquired in March 2015.
‘The Newport’ will open in late January with stage one including a range of food experiences curated by executive chef Sebastien Lutaud, as well as new landscaping completed around the expansive property.
“The Newport will bring to life the property’s grounds with magnificent landscaping by Daniel Baffsky. Flowering shrubs, jacarandas, wild cacti and succulents will adorn the gardens, while Chinese elms, plane trees, crape myrtles and date palms provide natural shade from the summer sun,” a statement announcing the launch reads.
The site will draw on influences from Montauk, The Hamptons and Mediterranean and will boast natural stone paving, coloured concrete tiles, marble and locally-made furniture.
Lutaud has compiled a menu comprising dishes such as the grass-fed beef burger and classic fish and chips available from ‘The Burger Shack’; as well as seasonal salads and a range of meats including smoked brisket, barbeque chicken and hot-smoked salmon served alongside fresh juices, smoothies, milkshakes, gelato, pastries, muffins and Will & Co coffee at the site’s caf.
Stage one will also include the launch of Vinnie’s Pizzeria where Vincenzo Biondini will create wood-fired pizza from an open kitchen, alongside a range of wine, beers and cocktails available at the adjoining bar. Sweeping views of Pittwater will be on show from the low, laidback seating on the alfresco deck.
The Newport team
Designed by a team including Kelvin Ho and Emilie Delalande of Akin Creative, stylist Amanda Talbot and Justin and Bettina Hemmes, The Newport will feature a unique games area inspired by a vintage gymnasium – including badminton, ping pong tables, exercise bikes that can charge mobile phones and a giant magnetic scrabble board. Outdoor petanque and concrete table tennis courts will also be available.
Stage two and three of The Newport will be announced later in 2016.
The Newport represents just one of Merivale’s upcoming launches, with the growing hospitality empire in the midst of a phase of aggressive expansion across the city. Hospitality recently caught up with its CEO, Justin Hemmes, to get details on the group’s growth, the state of Sydney’s dining scene and how its evolved over recent years.
