The charm of Mr Percy

Mister Percy, a dedicated Mediterranean-style wine bar and kitchen housed in the heritage-inspired designer boutique hotel, Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour, has opened.

Named after Percy Ewart, a former wool classer at the original wool-store who also made his mark (literally) by etching his name in the sandstone building, Mister Percy offers both a menu and wine and drinks list inspired by the arc of countries surrounding the Mediterranean.

This former 19th century warehouse fronting Murray Street, Pyrmont, and home to one of Sydney’s oldest saw-tooth roofs, has been reimagined by renowned Sydney interior designers, Luchetti Krelle, melding vintage decor with the contemporary to create an eclectic bistro-style aesthetic with a twist. It’s entirely old world meets new with lashings of charisma and quirk.

Mister Percy is destined to become an inner city haven known for its charming food and warm surrounds, invigorating wine offering and classic cocktails all delivered with a touch of old-school cheek.

Renowned Sydney Chef, Justin North, has collaborated with Ovolo Hotels and Head Chef Luca Guiotto (ex-A Tavola, Catalina) to develop a coastal European menu showcasing Mediterranean flavours and techniques, anchored by seasonal and mainly local produce.

It’s a menu that has been designed to enjoy with a glass in hand (or quartino) and includes a selection of skewered snacks or pinchos, small and larger share-style dishes and Australian artisan cheeses, such as Holy Goat and Pyengana.

Signature plates include Citrus-cured Hiramasa Kingfish with Horseradish Yoghurt, Verjuice and Carasau Bread, Gnochetti with Zucchini, Cime di Rapa, Fine Herbs, Chilli and Grana Padano and pinchos such as Manchego, Prosciutto and Picholine Olives or Crushed Broad Beans, Bocconcini, Sage and Lemon Croute. There’s many vegetarian options available such as Tortelli of Local Haloumi, Watercress and Lemon with Broccoli Puree.

Justin North said: “We’re taking our diners on a journey throughout the sun-drenched Mediterranean and showcasing the best local ingredients. We’ve drawn on flavours from around the Mediterranean arc and it’s not surprising that it’s exactly what we like to eat and drink here.”

While the interiors by the award-winning outfit, Luchetti Krelle, pay homage to the former wool-store, one the earliest and finest examples of Victorian warehouses in Sydney, Mister Percy has been reimagined with an assortment of antique, classic and modern pieces from around the world such as France, Italy and the US, and a mix of materials such as plush fabrics, leather, marble and cane.

It’s an eclectic but stylish space inviting diners to relax on oversized lounges with a glass in hand or dine on bar stools or at timber bistro chairs and tables. Lighting is a combination of table lamps and pendants, and blackboards and on-display wine storage adds an industrial vibe.  

Mister Percy aims to be a comfortable meeting place for guests, neighborhood friends and inner west residents to drink, graze and perhaps, spin a yarn, just like Percy.