P&V Wine and Liquor Merchants, NewtownCredit: Maclay Heriot
Mike Bennie and Louise Dowling, P&V Wine and Liquor Merchants.
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When the lockdown was announced in June, co-owners of popular Newtown wine shop P&V Merchants had just opened a second venue in Paddington that was quite different to the takeaway-focused model of Newtown. “The energy of the business is so intrinsically linked to the cross-pollination of concepts in the Paddington building; it’s a restaurant/bar/bottle shop and a confluence of everything in between,” Bennie says.
Bennie and co-owner Louise Dowling immediately decided to try to build up another aspect of the business so they could keep the kitchen and floor staff employed. That was the most important thing to both of them – beyond profits and pivoting during lockdown – that no one would lose their job.
So, Bennie and Dowling turned their attention to the online store. The team enhanced and increased their EDM, started offering same-day delivery every day of the week and extended the cut-off time for orders. That had an immediate follow-on effect and online orders started picking up, so Bennie was able to employ the floor and kitchen staff from Paddington as delivery drivers.
Since the beginning of lockdown, online orders have now increased by 200 per cent and Bennie has gone from employing one to two delivery drivers in total, to needing up to nine drivers on the busiest days of the week. He’s also been able to employ out-of-work creatives in their wider network as drivers, including musicians and artists, and his total staff has gone from eight people to 30 in the last 18 months.
Bennie also put the message out that they were able to facilitate wine tastings over Zoom. “All of a sudden we found ourselves in the line of sight of corporate businesses, which is incongruous but wonderful,” Bennie says, where larger organisations were asking P&V to hold Friday afternoon wine tastings for their staff. It allowed another P&V staff member to throw herself into this new arm of the business, arranging cocktail making classes and building up the program. Bennie hopes to continue the classes after lockdown, which could allow him to reach customers “as far as Penrith, or the Central Coast.”
P&V Wine and Liquor Merchants, Newtown Credit: Maclay Heriot
P&V Wine and Liquor Merchants are purveyors of natural wines, craft beers and unique, artisan spirits.
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P&V Wine and Liquor Merchants, Newtown Credit: Maclay Heriot
P&V Wine and Liquor Merchants are purveyors of natural wines, craft beers and unique, artisan spirits.
P&V Wine and Liquor Merchants, Newtown Credit: Maclay Heriot
P&V Wine and Liquor Merchants are purveyors of natural wines, craft beers and unique, artisan spirits.
#lovensw #ilovesydney
P&V Wine and Liquor Merchants, Newtown Credit: Maclay Heriot
P&V Wine and Liquor Merchants are purveyors of natural wines, craft beers and unique, artisan spirits.
As they did in the last lockdown, P&V are selling products from their inner west neighbours in both stores – ramen packs from Rising Sun Workshop have been a huge success, as well as canned cocktails from Newtown’s Continental Deli, bottled cocktails from Enmore’s Jacoby’s and Earl’s Juke Joint, and products crafted by independent out-of-work chefs like chilli oil. “They view us as a market stall,” says Bennie. The enoteca style of the Paddington venue means it is well set up to provide a beautiful shopping experience, “and a lot of people make it the high point of their day, have a conversation, learn something,” Bennie says.
It is P&V’s focus on community that Bennie credits to the fact that they’ve been able to increase capacity during lockdown. “It’s the lifeblood of P&V. During lockdown people have time to research more – and P&V by its nature does good work, is invested in reaching out, having great culture, caring about the community.” When a ute crashed into the Paddington location in late August destroying the facade, it was the local community who rallied to ensure P&V staff morale remained in tact.
After the news of the crash spread on social media, customers started dropping gifts off to the Paddington shop for the staff. “Little funny games, nice notes, flowers to brighten the shops. Then we started getting care packages from beer and spirit suppliers.” Every bit helped. “Paddington is such a village – the long-term residents were really concerned.”
Mike is most keen to build strong community bonds post lockdown – with more regular charity work, continued focus on diversity and culture and enhancing the community – all the things that matter, pandemic or not.
P&V Wine and Liquor Merchants, Newtown Credit: Maclay Heriot
P&V Wine and Liquor Merchants are purveyors of natural wines, craft beers and unique, artisan spirits.
#lovensw #ilovesydney
P&V Wine and Liquor Merchants, Newtown Credit: Maclay Heriot
P&V Wine and Liquor Merchants are purveyors of natural wines, craft beers and unique, artisan spirits.
P&V Wine and Liquor Merchants, Newtown Credit: Maclay Heriot
P&V Wine and Liquor Merchants are purveyors of natural wines, craft beers and unique, artisan spirits.
#lovensw #ilovesydney
P&V Wine and Liquor Merchants, Newtown Credit: Maclay Heriot
P&V Wine and Liquor Merchants are purveyors of natural wines, craft beers and unique, artisan spirits.
pnvmerchants.com
Instagram: instagram.com/pnvmerchants
Facebook: facebook.com/pnvwinemerchants
For more information on things to see and do in Sydney go to www.sydney.com.
Share your favourite holidays in Sydney and NSW on social media using @sydney #ilovesydney @visitnsw #lovensw.
The NSW Government via Destination NSW is sharing a series of NSW Success Stories – businesses of all types that have adapted their offerings to face the current environment and continue serving their community with a fresh approach and shining success. These innovative initiatives are nothing short of inspiring.
Bouddi National Park, BouddiCredit: Destination Central Coast
Scenic coastal views from Bouddi National Park, Bouddi.
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What better way to keep the adventure going after your Vivid Sydney visit by exploring our natural wonders just outside of the city? A treasure trove of experiences await: hike into the mountains, taste wine from the barrel and walk among the treetops. And best of all, these trips are all within 2.5 hours’ drive of Sydney – perfect if you’re looking to extend a holiday for just a few days.
Blue Mountains | 1.5 HOURS’ DRIVE
Named for the beautiful haze that hangs over the sleepy villages, ancient rock formations and bushland, the magnificent Blue Mountains is one of Sydney’s favourite weekenders for good reason.
There’s nothing quite like a hike in the fresh mountain air at golden hour, though taking in the expansive valleys atop a lookout or cable car comes close. Whether you adventure and abseil all day or focus on fine-dining and uncovering some stunning op-shop finds, soak off the day at luxury accommodation.
Things to do
- Take a sunset selfie at Three Sisters
- Ride the Skyway into the clouds at Scenic World
- Soak into true serenity at the Japanese Bath House
- Explore Jenolan Caves’ limestone labyrinth
- Embrace the wilderness at Turon Gates Mountain Eco-Retreat
- Learn about Indigenous culture on a walkabout tour
Central Coast | 1 HOURS’ DRIVE
A stone's throw from Sydney, a million miles from a care in the world… that wraps up the Central Coast region in a nutshell. There’s an enviably relaxed beach lifestyle here – with kilometres of sand and Pacific Ocean to explore – but national parks abound, too, and calm waterways ideal for throwing in a line, or conquering with a kayak. The coast with the most? You bet.
Things to do
- Take in the eight kilometre Bouddi Coastal Walk
- Zip-line through the Ourimbah State Forest at Treetops Adventure
- Embrace First Nations knowledge and culture with a Girri Girra walking tour
- Have breakfast with alpacas
- Whale watch and explore coastal rainforest at Wyrrabalong National Park
- Catch a flick at the colourful Avoca Beach Theatre
- Stay at the idyllic The Boathouse Hotel Patonga
The Hunter Valley | 2.5 HOURS’ DRIVE
The Hunter Valley is renowned for its Sémillon and shiraz varietals, acclaimed wineries and restaurants, luxury resorts, world-class spas and championship golf courses.
Wander through the wine-tasting hotspot of Pokolbin, explore the majestic Hunter Valley gardens, picnic amongst the vines on fresh local produce and don’t miss spying the lush Hunter from above in a hot-air balloon.
Things to do
- Try out top-drops from the historic Tyrrell’s, explore organic wines at Tamburlaine or biodynamic options at Krinklewood
- Visit a Provencal pocket at Bistro Molines
- Take a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise with Beyond Ballooning
- Stay in luxury at the Crowne Plaza
- Ride through bushland and vineyards with Hunter Valley Horses
Scenic World, Katoomba Credit: Destination NSW
Cablecar at Scenic World, Katoomba
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Scenic World, Katoomba Credit: Destination NSW
Cablecar at Scenic World, Katoomba
Beyond Ballooning, Hunter Valley Credit: Destination NSW
Couple arriving for a sunrise hot air balloon ride with Beyond Ballooning in the Hunter Valley.
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Beyond Ballooning, Hunter Valley Credit: Destination NSW
Couple arriving for a sunrise hot air balloon ride with Beyond Ballooning in the Hunter Valley.
Kiama, Jamberoo & More | 2 HOURS’ DRIVE
Feel the sea spray hit your skin at the blowhole at Kiama, only 30 minutes south of Wollongong. Away from the famous rock formations, epic waves and grassy seaside slopes, Kiama is a place of nature hikes, fancy seafood feasts on waterside decks and unique adventures. Take yourself on a wild and wonderful trail winding through windswept headlands and extraordinary beaches.
Things to do
- Get your Tarzan on and try the after-dark zipline at Illawarra Fly
- Swoosh down a waterslide at Jamberoo Action Park
- Enjoy breakfast with a beach view at Penny Whistlers
- Have a surf lesson with Surf Camp Australia
- Hike through Minnamurra Rainforest
- Stay in luxury at The Pause, Gerringong
Newcastle | 2 HOURS’ DRIVE
Newcastle is an unbeatable mix of golden beaches, luscious food and buzzing culture that makes you feel high on life. Have a dip at Merewether, dine overlooking the surf break and delve into the edgy boutiques and bars. This coastal hub is also in a sweet spot with the Hunter Valley less than an hour west.
Things to do
- Hop between cafes, museums and more at the waterfront Honeysuckle precinct
- Stay at the boutique QT Newcastle
- Take a long stroll along Bathers Way
- Visit Newcastle Art Gallery
- Dine on fresh seafood at Merewether Surf House
Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour, Minnamurra River Credit: Destination NSW
Friends kayaking on the Minnamurra River on the NSW South Coast
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Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour, Minnamurra River Credit: Destination NSW
Friends kayaking on the Minnamurra River on the NSW South Coast
Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle Credit: QT Hotels & Resorts
A selection of dishes from Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle
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Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle Credit: QT Hotels & Resorts
A selection of dishes from Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle
Southern Highlands | 1.5’ HOURS DRIVE
Located midway between Sydney and Canberra, the NSW Southern Highlands provides a welcome relief to the hustle of city life – a meld of classic and contemporary country culture. Innovative winemakers immersed in traditional methods. Morning truffle hunts evolving into modern dégustations. Pack your gum boots and head off to stay in an ivy-draped country manor or an architecturally designed farmhouse.
Things to do
- Get back to nature with a forest bathing session at Osborn House
- See cutting-edge art in a restored dairy turned art gallery, Ngununggula
- Browse literary treasures at Berkelouw Book Barn
- Antique the afternoon away at Dirty Janes Bowral
- Enjoy sustainable wines at Tractorless Vineyard Cellar Door
- Visit picture-postcard village Robertson (the setting for Australia’s hit film Babe)
- Spend a night at the charming Old Bank Boutique Hotel
Wollongong | 1.5 HOURS’ DRIVE
Adorned by rainforest-covered escarpment and the stunning golden beaches of the South Coast, NSW’s third-largest city is a fun, vibrant and delicious urban centre that offers diverse appeal.
Just getting to Wollongong from Sydney is a tourist attraction. Instead of taking the M1 Princes Highway, take the Grand Pacific Drive, a spectacular touring route through the Royal National Park to Stanwell Park and south over the Sea Cliff Bridge.
Things to do
- Spot fairywrens, herons and more at Puckey’s Estate Nature Reserve
- Dine at the award-winning Babyface Kitchen
- Spend an afternoon at Wollongong Art Gallery
- Explore the Southern Hemisphere’s largest Buddhist Temple, Nan Tien
- Take a guided tour of the historic Blue Mile
- Catch live tunes and good vibes at La La La’s
Looking to go further afield?
If you have time on your hands, NSW has plenty more wonders to explore. Head to the Snowy Mountains for some time on the ski slopes; venture west towards the edge of the Great Dividing Range for world-heritage wilderness and Mudgee’s wine region, or escape it all on the Sapphire Coast.
Plan your Vivid Sydney trip now: vividsydney.com
Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton Credit: Destination NSW
Sun rising over the Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.
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Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton Credit: Destination NSW
Sun rising over the Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.
Horse Riding, Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Horse riding in Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains. For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.
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Horse Riding, Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Horse riding in Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains. For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.