Merivale & Solotel to reopen venues

Sydney hospitality groups Merivale and Solotel have announced they will reopen their venues next week, with restaurants, bars and pubs allowed up to 50 guests as part of the easing of lockdown restrictions.

Justin Hemmes, CEO of Merivale, said: “This is the best news we’ve had in months, and marks the real beginning to hospitality’s road to recovery. I would like to commend the government who not only acted swiftly to protect our country, but who are now also doing everything they can to help us safely reopen doors and rebuild the industry.

“While we are still a little while away from operating all our venues at full capacity, the increase to 50 customers is a huge leap forward and one that will result in an exponential increase in employment.

“Thank you, as always, to our incredible staff and loyal guests for their patience, support and unwavering optimism that things would get better. They finally have.”

Since COVID-19 restrictions were introduced, Merivale has launched takeaway from a number its venues, including Mr Wong, Coogee Pavilion, Totti’s Bondi, Bar Totti’s, Jimmy’s Falafel, Lotus 2.0, and The Paddington/The Chicken Shop, and created ‘Just In’, an in-house delivery service run entirely by employees.

The group also launched Merivale at Home, an at-home dining service that delivers chef-prepared, almost-ready meals from several of its flagship venues, beverage packs including ready to enjoy cocktail creations, plus restaurant-quality fresh produce boxes. All three new businesses will continue to operate as venues reopen for guests.

Merivale venues open now are Bar Totti’s, Coogee Pavilion (ground floor), Jimmy’s Falafel, Mr Wong and The Paddington.

On Monday, The Allawah, Angel Hotel, Establishment Main Bar, The Grand, Hotel CBD, The Newport (Arms Bar only), The Royal Bondi, The Royal George, Tennyson Hotel, Totti’s, Vic on the Park and Wynyard Hotel will open.

On Tuesday, El Loco Excelsior and Felix will open. On Wednesday, The Beresford Hotel, Charlie Parker’s, Fred’s, Hotel Centennial, Lotus 2.0,mimi’s, Ms.G’s, Queen Chow Enmore and Una Mas will open.

On Thursday, The Collaroy, Bert’s, Little Felix, hemmesphere, Queen Chow Manly and sushi e will open. On Friday, The Newport will reopen.

Solotel thrilled to welcome staff back

Justine Baker, Solotel Group CEO said 14 of its venues will reopen on Monday.

“We’re thrilled to be reopening some of our venues and welcoming back our staff following the successful launch of our take away offerings at Public House Petersham, North Bondi Fish and ” Baker said.

“It’s been a challenging couple of months for everyone and I’m so happy that we can open our doors to the communities we love. At the same time, we acknowledge this is a small step in our rebuild which we believe will take some time and are looking forward to being able to reopen more of our venues when further restrictions ease.”