Say hello to Merivale’s new baby.
Merivale will launch the first of three new properties on Oxford Street this month when it opens The Paddington next Tuesday 24 November.
The Paddington (formerly The Paddington Arms) will serve a rotisserie-led menu by executive chef Ben Greeno, cocktails by Palmer and Co’s Sam Egerton and Toby Marshall and wine curated by the award-winning Franck Moreau and Adrian Filiuta.
Merivale CEO Justin Hemmes said,“We are extremely excited to open in Paddington, I have very fond memories of what Oxford Street used to be and we are looking forward to bringing some of that magic back to such an iconic part of Sydney. Ben is an undeniable culinary talent, arguably one of the best in the world, and he is going to deliver something truly special at The Paddington”.
Greeno, whose CV includes Momofuku Seiobo, Michelin-starred Sat Bains and Noma, has moved from fine-dining to lead the culinary charge. The Paddington has been designed entirely around his vision for the menu and the style of cooking he loves.
Rotisserie proudly takes the lead with specially-imported, custom-made French rotisseries forming the centrepiece of the pub. Think dishes such as lamb rump with red pepper and almonds, wagyu beef with artichokes, pickled mustard seeds and watercress, whole fish stuffed with olives, lemon and thyme, and roast chicken with French fries. The rotisserie will be accompanied by a delicious selection of small plates including octopus, potato, confit tomato and black olives, smoked trout with English muffin and duck egg, spelt, roast cabbage, kombu and prawns, and parmesan custard with sprouted pulses.
Greeno said, “I want to create food that lends itself to a good time, dishes that can be shared amongst friends. I thought, ‘why don’t we do rotisserie?’. There’s no reason why the food can’t be as good and complex as a high-end restaurant, even though it’s served in more casual surrounds”.
Designed as if it was an old local butcher, the Paddington has a British charm with white glazed ceramic tiles, painted timber panelling and dark timber furniture. The space fits 260 people seated over two levels.
Upstairs the space becomes more intimate with booth seating, panelled walls, a leather-fronted cocktail bar and mirrored tables. The private dining room has a capacity of 12 people and is surrounded by a floor-to-ceiling distressed landscape mural painted by local Sydney artist Desmond Sweeney.
Later this year, Greeno will open a chicken shop next door to The Paddington serving take-away only rotisserie chicken, salads and sandwiches.
In early 2016, Merivale will open another new restaurant two doors down called Fred’s. Led by former French Laundry chef Danielle Alvarez, the restaurant will have a basement tapas bar and eatery.
The Paddington is located at 384 Oxford St, Sydney NSW.
