Named after his eldest daughter, Delia said the 50-seater space was an “evolution of Maha” but would carry its own identity.

“The fit-out is breathtaking: it’s contemporary, modern and has a loose Middle Eastern accent,” he said.

“I wouldn’t be opening Jayda if it were a stand-alone business on the other side of the city. I’m opening this as I know that our customers have been begging us for years to do this.”

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Group head chef Daniel Giraldo will curate Jayda’s food and drink offering.

“It’s not a sit down, fork and knife kind of place. There’ll be caviar, cured meats and lots of snacks and finger food. We’ll also have a couple of off-menu items that you’ll have to know to ask for, plus every good bar has a good bowl of salty shoestring fries.”

World’s Best Bartender and drinks whiz Orlando Marzo has curated the cocktail list, shaking up eight signatures, while vino-lovers will be given access to Maha’s wine cellar.

Jayda
19 Bond St, Melbourne
Opening early November

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