Merivale’s huge March Into Merivale kicks off this week with a big launch party on Wednesday 10th February, where the many talents which make up the juggernaut hospitality group will be able to showcase their eats and drinks throughout the luscious ivy. Ahead of the big day, we caught up with Palmer & Co. stalwart Sam Egerton, who is also involved in Merivale’s shiny new The Paddington, to talk shop, he’s guilty pleasures in Sydney, what to expect from the festival and one of it’s signature events, “Room for One More”, and changes at The Paddington.
Palmer & Co. is such an incredibly popular bar. What do you feel are the key factors that have maintained such consistency over the years?
Passion, love and attention to detail. If you can fill a room with a family that have these cornerstones, the rest will fall into place.
What have you enjoyed about creating a new concept at The Paddington?
The Paddington has been an entirely new challenge by comparison to previous hospitality experiences. Being exposed to the brilliant minds of Carissa (est.), Adrian (Felix), and Ben Greeno has been amazing, and really pushed me to engage in more of the hospitality world.
The theme for March Into Merivale this year is “guilty pleasures”. What are some of your guilty pleasure foods around Sydney
Anyone that makes a good Mac n Cheese (Palmer & Co. definitely kills it), a Mary’s Burger always helps dispel the effects of the night before, and although not necessarily food, I love a pint of Guinness no matter the time of day or year.
March Into Merivale has such a massive program for this year. What are your top picks?
The launch should be amazing, Chopstick & Dopekicks will be awesome, and Room for One More will be epic.
A Room for One More is such an awesome concept. How did this idea originate and what can the public expect?
This is the brain child of some of Merivale best and brightest in collaboration with Pernod-Ricard. I think this is going to be really special, every room will have its own atmosphere, theming and flavour. We have some really cool ideas flowing around and I can’t wait to see it all come together!
These past few months and the months ahead have seen such big changes for Merivale. What are you most excited about and what has so far been the most exciting change for you?
Since moving to The Paddington I have been involved in a number of things across the group varying in size, style and concept, every one of them amazing in their own right. But for me Charlie Parkers is the venue I can’t wait to see moving, this is something I am deeply passionate about and have been involved in the entire process. I can’t wait to share it with everyone.
Headline image: The team involved in The Paddington; supplied.
For a full list of events during March Into Merivale click . For more information on the launch party and for tickets click HERE.
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