Merivale buys King Street's Noble Canteen

Merivale's CBD property grab is on the march again, with Noble Canteen (previously Trumps Tavern) in King Street its latest acquisition. Justin Hemmes confirmed the purchase, which is next door to the family's long-held Hotel CBD.

With assets including Establishment, Ivy and various hotels, Merivale's city portfolio is setting new records in hospitality. Merivale takes possession next week.

''We're going to open an art pop-up bar in there for the next six months,'' Hemmes says. ''There will be an artist in residence, Franck Gohier. The whole room will be a giant canvas. It will be like an art gallery opening every night.''

The food won't be too shabby either. Former Sailors Thai chef Pacharin ''Air'' Jantrakool will look after the casual food offering. If the plan sounds grand, it's only an appetiser.

''I've got a really wonderful idea for it in the future. We will put in a DA. It will be a new concept, very cool,'' Hemmes says.