Merivale has announced that it will be unveiling eight new venues by February.

Venues joining Merivale include the iconic Newport Arms Hotel, The Paddington, J&M, Queen Victoria Hotel, Fred’s, Sussex 1854, Wine bar, King Street and Chicken Shop.

Justin Hemmes, Merivale CEO said: “This intense period of Merivale’s growth is such an exhilarating time for the group. It’s the excitement of diversity and a real need to feed the increasing appetites of Sydney-siders for interesting, quality and family friendly offerings that’s driving much of our evolution.”

The opening of J&M will introduce an intimate whisky bar to Level 3 of the historic Angel Hotel from October, first launching as a Chivas Regal showcase.

Over on Oxford Street, Merivale will relaunch The Paddington Arms as The Paddington, with Ben Greeno heading The Paddington’s kitchen, as well as at the new Chicken Shop next door.

Sydney’s inner west Queen Victoria Hotel will also reopen under Merivale in January, joined by the iconic Newport Arms in March. Both are set to launch with new kitchens, headed by Christopher Hogarth and Patrick Friesen, and Executive Chef Sebastien Lataud respectively.

Merivale will also be starting up a new restaurant concept at 380 Oxford Street in early 2016 with Fred’s, which will revolutionise the concept of cooking with old-world techniques. In the basement of Fred’s, Sussex 1854 will offer consumers a prohibition style tapas bar and eatery, transporting guests to yesteryear with stunning interiors and seasonally-led cocktails.

Finally, 50 King Street will be transformed into a European wine bar in February, offering small bites and sharing plates, and a wine list curated by MS Franck Moreau.