Merivale to open Totti's spin-off at Rozelle's 3 Weeds hotel

You can add cavolo nero to Rozelle's famed 3 Weeds (The Rose, Shamrock and Thistle hotel).

Justin Hemmes has only just picked up the keys to his latest acquisition, but already has plans to add some Italian flavour to the pub popularly known as the 3 Weeds, opening a second Totti's restaurant there.

"It has a similar feel to The Royal (the Bondi home to the original Totti's). We'll lodge a DA in about four weeks, revamp the entire back section as a restaurant and bar and keep the pub section as is," Hemmes says.

The restaurant and bar mogul isn't opening a token Totti's spin-off. He's going boots-in with a Kelvin Ho design and clogs-in with Mike Eggert in the kitchen.

The 3 Weeds, a local landmark since it opened in 1884, has strong food lineage, with everyone from Darrell Felstead (Foveaux, Four in Hand) to Lauren Murdoch (Rockpool, Felix Bar & Bistro, Bar Topa) spending time in its kitchen.

Hemmes wants to keep it on the dining map, with Totti's possibly opening as early as December.

The push into the Rozelle-Balmain area mightn't be the last for Merivale.

"It's similar demographics to what we're used to ... we're testing the water," Hemmes says.