Justin Hemmes has announced the launch of four new eateries and bars within Sydney’s Ivy laneway precinct, bringing the total number of Merivale venues in the area up to 25.

The first to launch will be Little Felix, a 60-seater cocktail bar, which will open beside big brother Felix next month. The new venue will be led by Felix head chef Nathan Johnson, who has designed a simple French menu centred around charcuterie, cheese, and wine.

Also set to open over the next year will be an Italian bar concept similar to Bondi eatery Totti’s. Headed up by Totti’s head chef Mike Eggert, the venue will revolve around a wood fire oven and a laidback, sharing menu.

Venue number three is set to be a casual Lebanese eatery and bar opposite Wynyard Station on George Street, which will be run by head chef Simon Zalloua (ex-Rockpool). Split into two offerings – takeaway at the front and bar and diner out the back – the venue will offer a vegetarian-heavy menu, with dishes cooked over a charcoal grill.

The final offering will be a Mexican eatery and bar that will also sit on George Street.

While it will mean a monopoly for Merivale in the area, Hemmes says the intention is to create a neighbourhood of around-the-clock hospitality. “Somewhere that ebbs and flows as life does, where 70-year-old best friends can be enjoying espresso martinis alongside 20-somethings exploring a wine list. Warm, inclusive, organic interaction and enjoyment, which is something all world-class cities excel at,” Hemmes said.

Stay tuned for more details.