Merivale has expanded its portfolio in Sydney’s Inner West with the acquisition of Norton’s Irish Pub in Leichhardt.

The Norton Street local joins Vic on the Park in Marrickville, Queens Hotel in Enmore and 3 Weeds in Rozelle as part of the Merivale group.

Merivale will receive the keys to the Leichhardt pub next month. The company said the venue will trade as normal, with future plans to be announced in due course.

Norton’s was last bought for an undisclosed sum in 2012 by Peter Gallagher, the owner of the P.J. Gallagher’s Irish Pub in the city. Ireland Before You Die ranks the Leichhardt institution as one of The 10 Irish Pubs in Sydney.

Later this year, Merivale will reopen the doors to the 3 Weeds Rozelle after an extensive refurbishment. Italian eatery Totti’s will make its Inner West debut in the iconic neighborhood pub. Merivale said details on the launch will be announced in the coming months.

Justin Hemmes, Merivale CEO, said: “It is such a privilege to be part of Sydney’s vibrant Inner West; every suburb has a unique energy, and their local pubs play a special role in shaping their culture.

“We’re excited to not only expand our Inner West pub portfolio, but reopen doors to the 3 Weeds, a beautiful and much-loved local institution, this spring.”

Merivale has also revealed it’s acquired The Lorne Hotel, its second venue in Victoria.

The historic pub that has stood proudly on The Great Ocean Road for more than a century. The hospitality group will receive keys to the venue later this year and will trade as normal over the summer.

Hemmes said: “The Lorne Hotel is an iconic venue in a truly spectacular location. It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know John and Paul Upham, who have been the proud custodians of the venue for the last eleven years; we feel honoured to continue their legacy and help usher the pub into the next phase of its incredible 145-year history”.

Merivale expands outside of Sydney

Merivale acquired its first hospitality venue outside Sydney – The Quarterdeck in Narooma – in March. The town is located in the Eurobodalla region of the NSW South Coast and holds a special place in the heart of Merivale CEO Justin Hemmes.

“Narooma has become my second home and the backdrop to so many of my happiest memories with my family,” Hemmes said. “I think it is one of the most beautiful spots in the world, with a unique landscape, crystal clear waters and an amazing community of people who call it home. It has been an absolute privilege to spend so much time here over the past six years and I’m excited to now join the local business community.”

In April, Merivale announced it was join Melbourne’s hospitality industry, following its purchase of Tomasetti House in Flinders Lane.

“Melbourne is a very special city, with a unique energy and an inimitable soul. Its local hospitality industry is one of the best in the world; brimming with creative culinary talent and supported by a passionate community of diners,” Hemmes noted. “We are honoured to open our first venue in Melbourne, and cannot wait to work alongside so many local industry greats.”