Justin Hemmes to open first Melbourne venue
Justin Hemmes’ Merivale will open its first Melbourne venue – replacing part of a Meyers Place building he bought two years ago, which unexpectedly wound up vacant in December.
LB’s Record Bar, an agave bar – specialising in spirits and cocktails made from the plant, like tequila – and a bar with DJ playing a vinyl playlist, will replace Lily Blacks.
Michael and Zara Mandrusan will run it.
The husband and wife are also behind Bar Margaux, Heartbreaker and The Everleigh.
The Lily Blacks business failed to sell after seeking $195,000. The seven year leasehold (with two five year options), included fixtures and fittings and no supplier or equipment contracts.
Mr Hemmes was collecting c$2780 a month rent for the ground floor tenancy with a 3am trading licence.
Owner moves in
Expected to open October, LB’s Record Bar is permitted for 95 customers.
It will be Merivale’s first Melbourne venue, coming four years since Mr Hemmes started buying city real estate to occupy.
His portfolio includes the Harry Norris designed Kantay House, completed in 1940 as a warehouse at 12-18 Meyers Pl – which cost $15 million.
The majority of this building is tenanted to San Telmo.
Last year the publican paid the City of Melbourne c$55m for an eight level car park across the road at 34-60 Litte Collins Street, opposite the Melbourne Club’s north edge.
A mixed-use hospitality based project is proposed.
Meanwhile, in early 2021, Mr Hemmes outlaid $43m for the seven storey Tomasetti House, developed in 1853 originally over five floors, at 277-279 Flinders Lane, which is undergoing a refurbishment expected to finish next year.
Nick Van Tiel will manage the independent music played at LB’s Record Bar, according to the Herald Sun, which is reporting the deal.
Merivale also holds in Victoria, the Lorne Hotel, which operated a Merivale business, Totti, since early 2023.
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