Overview
Oxford Street's food and drink scene is getting some much needed TLC, courtesy of hospitality guru Justin Hemmes and his unstoppable Merivale empire. Of the slew of new ventures the group have opening up over summer, three will be located next door to one another along the Paddington strip. The Paddington (previously The Paddington Arms) will open its doors in November, followed by The Oxford Street Chicken Shop by the end of the year. But it's the humbly-named Fred's that will complete the trifecta.
Scheduled to open in February 2016, Fred's is being billed as an old world, produce-oriented restaurant complete with woodfired ovens in the kitchen, a cocktail and tapas bar in the basement, and a seasoned chef in Danielle Alvarez at the helm. A veteran of San Francisco's iconic Chez Panisse and the Napa Valley's three-Michelin-starred French Laundry, Alvarez has already forged relationships with local producers and organic farmers, whose fresh produce will help inform the direction of the menu. Expect handmade bread, butter, pasta and charcuterie, along with a 120-strong wine list that focuses on small-batch varieties and features an extensive 'wine by the glass' selection that changes to match the food.
Meanwhile, Fred's basement will be home to Sussex 1854, a basement bar serving tapas and seasonal cocktails. Merivale have already earned their stripes with long-loved CBD bar Palmer & Co., so we're predicting more vintage coupe champagne glasses and more juleps than you can poke a stick at. More information about Fred's and Sussex 1854 will become available in the coming months.
Fred's will be located at 380 Oxford Street, Paddington and is expected to begin service in February 2016.
Image: Palmer & Co.