PROFILE BY BEST RESTAURANTS
700 people walked through Coogee Pavilion’s doors on its opening night. These are figures that most restaurants only dream about but for hospitality mogul, Justin Hemmes, this is probably just another day-in-the-life. The Merivale portfolio now includes 50 restaurants, pubs and nightclubs across Sydney, employing over 2,000 people, with every venue proving a success. But despite what you may think, Hemmes isn’t one to sit in a boardroom, barking orders. He’s often seen in his restaurants, well before they open their doors, as was the case at Coogee Pavilion.
Once home to the iconic Beach Palace Hotel, Coogee Pavilion is the most recent addition to the Merivale family and speaking of family, this is the venue’s target audience. While the ripped-faded-denim, boyfriend-jean-wearing crowd sip on their homemade almond mylk (yes, mylk, not milk – doah) and kale smoothie, their equally-trendy kids can play in the games zone out the back.
This sounds clichéd but it truly is a one-size-fits-all eatery. You can spend big or small, come for a coffee or enjoy a seven-course degustation. It’s home to a pizzeria, oyster counter, grill section, juice stand, cafe, cocktail area and raw bar. There’s even a dog-parking area outside for your furry friends and a pokies room out the back. Forget to go the hairdresser? Pop into the barbershop. Need flowers? Swing by the florist. Bored of your dining company? Watch a movie in the theatrette.
Anna Lisle