Following the news that longtime Surry Hills resident Bills was on the move, rumours were rife for the iconic cafe’s replacement. Finally a victor has emerged in the form of Jared Merlino, an up-and-coming star of Sydney’s hospitality scene.

Merlino is currently the co-owner of a handful of stand-out Sydney venues, including Big Poppa’s, Kittyhawk, and Lobo Plantation. But now he has set his sights on the brunch crowd with a new café; all-day venture Caffe Bartolo will settle in the inner-city suburb come October.

Merlino will be partnering with Grazia Di Franco as creative director on the venture, which will serve food all-day. The eatery will be licensed and serve ample amounts of coffee at all hours, in-keeping with its Italian theme. More details on the new addition to Surry Hills are set to be announced in due course.

Caffe Bartolo
359 Crown Street, Surry Hills