Sydney-based chef Justin North has been chosen by Ovolo Hotels to lead their latest project, a dedicated Mediterranean-style wine bar and kitchen housed in Ovolo 1888.
Dubbed Mister Percy, the brand new F&B concept will featured Mediterranean wine varietals, share plates and friendly service with a touch of old-school cheek, slated to open late-July.
Commenting on the latest project, North said: “We’re taking our guests on a journey with beautiful wine matched with Mediterranean-style pinchos showcasing the best local ingredients. We’ve drawn on flavours from around the European coastline and it’s not surprising that it’s exactly what we like to eat and drink here.”
The menu will include a selection of pinchos and larger share-style dishes showcasing classic Mediterranean flavours anchored by local Australian produce. Expect a grilled Port Lincoln sardine tart with tomato, black olive and basil; chargrilled Clarence River baby octopus with local chorizo and pickled green chilli or, perhaps, local burrata with prosciutto dressed with pea shoots, fried potato skins and grissini.
The intimate space, which was once a woolstore, has been reimagined by interior designers, Luchetti Krelle, to incorporate an eclectic bistro-style aesthetic melding vintage decor with modern taste and sensibility.
The name, Mister Percy, is a tribute to Percy Ewart, a former wool classer who worked at the original woolstore.
Ovolo 1888’s General Manager, Amanda Cottome said: “When we came to choosing a name we jumped at the opportunity to pay homage to Percy and the building’s rich history. Percy’s name is engraved into one of the sandstone blocks in the hotel and has always been one of the many stories that can be told about the property.”
Comfortable lounge furniture in a mix of plush fabrics, leathers and cane bark will feature beside Venetian-style painted pieces in a palette of greens, red, blues and pinks, inspired by gum trees.
Ovolo Hotel’s also welcomes Group Wine Curator Shun Eto (formerly of QT) to the fold, who has worked beside Morrison on the wine selection and will oversee the list’s ongoing direction and regular updates upon opening.
Mister Percy aims to be a comfortable meeting place for hotel guests, neighborhood friends and inner west residents to to drink, graze and perhaps, spin a yarn, just like Percy.