Mister Percy is a collaboration between much revered Sydney chef Justin North and the Ovolo Hotels Group. The drinking den will be housed within the heritage-modern boutique hotel Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour, with plans to open closer to August this year. As for the wine bar’s name, it’s a tribute to Percy Ewart; a former wool classer who worked at the original wool-store and whose name is engraved into one of the sandstone blocks in the building.

“We’re taking our guests on a journey with beautiful wine matched with Mediterranean-style pinchos showcasing the best local ingredients,” says North. “We’ve drawn on flavours from around the European coastline and it’s not surprising that it’s exactly what we like to eat and drink here.” North has worked closely with Ovolo Hotels head chef Luca Guiotto (of A Tavola and Catalina) to uphold the vision for coastal European fare.

Dishes will be served alongside a wine list curated by sommelier and author Chris Morrison. The resulting selection focuses on Mediterranean-style wines and varietals such as Jamsheed rousanne from Beechworth in Victoria, and Nick Spencer’s ‘Dry Red’ touriga-shiraz blend from Gundagai. Many drops are conveniently also available by the glass.

Award-winning interior design group Luchetti Krelle has been set the task of reworking the former hotel lobby space. In its place sits a bistro-style drinking den decorated with an eclectic collection of vintage décor, lounge furniture and Venetian-style artwork.

Mister Percy, Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour, 139 Murray Street, Pyrmont, misterpercy.com.au.