Bert’s Bar & Brasserie
Merivale’s northern showpiece.
Bert's Bar & Brasserie
Contemporary$$
Disclaimer
In October 2024, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Good Food detailed allegations of sexual harassment, exploitation of female staff and drug use at Merivale venues. Merivale, the owner of this restaurant, began an internal investigation into the claims and said it is committed to “an inclusive, diverse and respectful workplace environment for our staff, as well as for our customers”. SafeWork NSW also began investigating the company. In June 2025 and July 2025, further allegations of exploitation and underpayment of Merivale workers were made, and Fair Work confirmed it was investigating the company. Merivale has denied all allegations against it. As a result of the investigation, this venue excludes itself from being eligible to be scored in the Good Food Guide.
A visit to the lush Newport Arms feels like you’ve escaped the city. That feeling imbues the sprawling pub’s upmarket restaurant, Bert’s, with a carefree long lunching aura that’s enhanced by the kind of attention and service we’ve come to expect of Merivale venues at this price point.
Start with hand-filleted anchovies that come splashed with lemon-thyme oil alongside warm fried bread that’s crowned with the fish bones, fried crisp and perfectly salty (with a glass of Chablis, it’s the bar snack you never knew you needed).
Then follow with grilled whole flounder or John dory (filleted tableside) from the fish-on-ice display, to go with an array of sides: fries, of course, and maybe crisp Brussels sprouts sloshed with vincotto.
Time your visit so you can retire to the plush lounges for rum baba as the sun sets – your dessert flambeed for a dramatic ending.
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