Mister Percy is the latest resident of Sydney’s Darling Harbour, opening its doors today. As earlier reported, the bar is a Mediterranean-style wine bar and kitchen housed within the heritage-inspired designer boutique hotel Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour. The venue is is a collaboration between the design-savvy hotel group and the renowned Sydney-based chef Justin North.

Named after former wool classer Percy Ewart, Mister Percy plays plenty of tribute to its historical origins. This is especially true of the sixty-seat restaurant’s design. Residing within a former 19th century warehouse, the space has been reimagined by interior designers Luchetti Krelle, where vintage decor merges with the contemporary. Eclectic is evidently the mantra, where oversized lounges mingle a mix of materials including plush fabrics, leather, marble and cane. “We didn’t just want to make it a snapshot of time. We wanted to Mister Percy to reflect how we eat and drink today, but with plenty of charm. It’s a really inviting space,” explains Rachel Luchetti. Local artist Oliver Watts was commissioned to adorn the furniture, painting it in the style of ‘environmental art’ where gum trees and palette of greens, red, blues and pinks, are interwoven.

The interiors may be eclectic but the menu instead pays tribute to the Mediterranean. Renowned Sydney chef Justin North has collaborated with Ovolo Hotels and head chef Luca Guiotto (ex-A Tavola, Catalina) to develop a coastal European display, showcasing Mediterranean flavours and techniques, but anchored by seasonal and mainly local produce. Dishes have been designed to be enjoyed with glass of wine in hand, with a selection that includes skewered snacks and pinchos, small and larger share-style dishes and Australian artisan cheeses (Holy Goat and Pyengana included). “We’re taking our diners on a journey throughout the sun-drenched Mediterranean and showcasing the best local ingredients. We’ve drawn on flavours from around the Mediterranean arc and it’s not surprising that it’s exactly what we like to eat and drink here,” says North. Ovolo Hotel’s group wine curator Shun Eto has collaborated with Justin and Luca to curate the 100-strong wine list mainly consisting of Mediterranean-style wines and varietals.

139 Murray Street, Pyrmont; misterpercy.com.au.