Jaime Wirth to give new life to Enmore's Duke of Edinburgh

Justin Hemmes and a posse of rising hospitality stars have already fallen for its charms, now Enmore Road has snared some fresh talent.

Jaime Wirth, who sold his Drink n Dine group (the Forresters, the Norfolk and Oxford Tavern) to Dixon Hospitality two years ago, is jumping back in the game, snapping up the leasehold at the Duke of Edinburgh Hotel, next to the Enmore Theatre.

When it reopens on December 5, Wirth and business partner Mike Delany will lead a team with Toby Wilson (Ghostboy, Bad Hombres) on the pans and Joel Amos looking after the drinks.

Wirth, who led a boom in food-led pubs, admits he was a sick of pubs when he cashed in his chips, a business journey made harder following the sudden and tragic death in 2013 of his business partner, James Miller.

"I looked at some restaurant and food projects, but was drawn to the property," he says.

Expect lots of natural wines and classic counter meals.

Wirth says he's moving away from his reputation for themed food as creator of venues such as House of Crabs, opting for a more classic pub tilt this time.

"No one likes the Duke of Edinburgh so we're calling it the Duke of Enmore."