Hemmes' Newport Arms deal a hit with locals

Exactly how much did Merivale pay last week in the deal to snap up the Newport Arms? Word is it was close to the $50 million asking price, but how close? A source close to negotiations says $46 million got the deal over the line.

There are a few Sydney publican heavyweights unhappy about being trumped, some under the misapprehension the Hemmes wouldn't punt so high outside of their city-eastern suburbs heartland.

But the news has gone down well with northern beaches locals who feel Merivale will offer something different from other cookie-cutter Sydney pubs.