Sydney's biggest bar tycoon, Justin Hemmes, is building a live music empire
The peacock who is a social butterfly: bar magnate Justin Hemmes.Justin Hemmes is Sydney’s ultimate playboy, having just farewelled Natalie Imbruglia and Alexandra Agoston with a mystery companion who goes under the solitary moniker, “Carla.”
But who wouldn’t be impressed by a man who collects bars and nightclubs as quickly as others visit them?
The heir to the fashion and property dynasty, Merivale, hasn’t finished. Still (just) 30-something, he’s snapped up Sydney’s once iconic gay venue, The Beresford in Surry Hills. He is now planning a live music venue there.
He also quietly bought Surry Hills’ mainstay, rustic music venue, The Excelsior Hotel, which stages gigs seven nights a week.
Just last month, Hemmes announced plans to convert his CBD laneway club into a boutique restaurant. “We want to showcase that and make it accessible for everyone to enjoy," Hemmes told News.com.au, adding he believed his plan was consistent with the Lord Mayor's vision for Sydney's late-night economy.
But Hemmes' vision is something else entirely. When he battled to open his super-club, Ivy, he publicly berated City of Sydney Council as being anti-fun.
Word within the music industry is that he is building a live venue empire. With The Hopetoun lying dormant in Sydney and The Annandale Hotel –- the eternal pub-garage venue – up for sale in the inner west, the question has to be asked: How’s he doing it? And what’s next?
Good Vibrations
He has built up a mass of connections to international artists and agents through its success. There is a significant pool at Hemmes’ disposal to draw big acts.
The Beresford takeover
The Beresford was once the official laneway recovery of the Mardi Gras, where thousands of all-night revellers would put themselves back together. But drug comedowns and murders got the better of the venue and it lay dormant until bought by the Nassibian family.
When it was put up for sale last year, Hemmes swooped, picking it up for a relative steal at $14.6 million.
He is now set to open a new 500-capacity live music venue on the historic pub’s second floor.
The hall, which was initially fitted as part of former owner’s renovations, never saw the light of day.
Hemmes is now in the midst of finalizing a second round of acoustic and sound-proofing upgrades.
With a capacity and proximity that rivals the highly successful Oxford Art Factory, The Beresford’s new mystery venue has the potential to reinvigorate the music scene with Hemmes’ own brand of indulgent, playboy suave.
Its size makes it large enough for touring international acts and popular local bands. It also promises themed DJ nights that have brought devoted followings to clubs around the area.
Since his purchase last year, Hemmes has regained the bar’s gay-friendly following. This puts the unannounced new venue in the rare position of having a devoted crowd in place before its doors open.
The Excelsior takeover
The Excelsior has long been a bastion of Sydney’s music scene, hosting jazz, classical and experimental music.
Hemmes’ latest acquisition has fuelled speculation of a Surry Hills takeover. The smiling bar mogul now has two dedicated live music venues under his belt.
What’s next?
Hemmes’ move into live music comes at an interesting time; the scene’s major players are bowing out and other new venues are thriving.
Legendary pub rock stomping ground, the Annandale Hotel, is up for sale, with the owners hoping for a miracle in the form of an enthusiastic investor to keep entertainment alive in the historic venue.
Also on the market is the long-standing Manly Fisho’s on the North Shore, with the club aiming for a relocation after clearing a $3.3 million debt.
The Hopetoun on Bourke Street, Surry Hills, is still being mourned after its closure in 2009, when its owner was forced to shut up shop after racking up thousands in council and liquor police fines.
Rumours are circulating within the music industry that Hemmes is a man on a mission. Backstage word is: something’s on its way.
Live music venues in Sydney mentioned above
The Beresford Hotel, 354 Bourke St., Surry Hills, +61 (0)2 9357 1111, www.theberesford.com.au, email info@theberesford.com.au,
Oxford Art Factory, 38-46 Oxfordt St., Darlinghurst, +61 (0)2 9332 3711, www.oxfordartfactory.com, email hello@oxfordartfactory.com,
The Excelsior Hotel, 64 Fouveaux St., Surry Hills, +61 (0)2 9211 4945, www.excelsiorhotel.com.au
The Annandale Hotel, 17 Parramatta Road, Annandale, +61 (0)2 9550 1078 www.annandalehotel.com
Manly Fisho’s, 270 Pittwater Road, Manly, +61 (0)2 9977 4800, www.manlyfishos.com.au
