Merivale’s Coogee Pavilion has been a tremendous success over the past few years, but there’s always been one giant chunk of the beachside venue missing. The middle floor of this multifaceted venue always felt like a lull when making the short climb to that gorgeous rooftop – no more.
No stranger to ambition, Justin Hemmes and his dominant hospitality group are now ready to unveil the middle floor. Described as a “love letter to Coogee”, it will feature three distinctive concepts: a restaurant, a cocktail bar, and a wine and tapas bar.
Executive Chef Jordan Toft will be navigating a Mediterranean-Australian cooking philosophy as a through line to unite these three venues, which otherwise will be pushed as standalone destinations in the already busy precinct.
Taking full advantage of the sparkling Coogee vista, Mimi’s will be the middle floor’s cool and calm restaurant, driven by fresh produce and a social vibe, and framed with arched windows to pull the sea breeze in. Fresh seafood (and meat and veggies) grilled on the Josper will be the go-to here, along with crisp wine handpicked from over 500 bottles. “no smoke, no mirrors, no pomp”, described Toft.
Cocktail bar Will’s is next, with a distinctly European flavour bringing together classic cues from the Italian coastline and influences from the local scene. Given Merivale’s track record of high quality cocktail bars within the past few years, there’s no reason not to keep expectations high for this one.
The third venue will be Una Más, a stirring wine and tapas destination with a “walk off the beach” vibe marrying Spain and Australian flavours. Toft is promising a menu that’s uncomplicated and recognisable. “Think a chilled Chablis or vermouth, with an oyster just shucked, seafood off the plancha and anchovies on fresh bread”.
More information about each venue will be announced in early 2020.
Coogee Pavilion Middle Floor
Level 1, Coogee Pavilion
Featured image by Dimitri Tricolas.
