Can you feel it in the water? Big changes are happening at Manly Wharf. First up, Manly’s beloved-but-tired sunset haunt Wharf Bar was taken over by mega hospo group Artemus Group (the team responsible for Brisbane's Howard Smith Wharves) and transformed into Felons Manly – a pumping beer haven with 150+ more seats, a jazzed-up menu, lush plants and beers from Brisbane brewery Felons Brewing Co (we’d love to see a local tap one day!). Now, there’s another hot newcomer: The Bavarian poured its final stein some months ago, and the waterfront spot is now home to Felons Seafood – a 300-seat seafood restaurant with indoor–outdoor spaces, views over Manly Cove and a menu created by two former Rockpool guns.
“We feel very fortunate to play a role in the ongoing revitalisation of Manly Wharf,” says Adam Flaskas, co-founder and director of Artemus Group.
“With Felons Seafood, our hope was to create something that feels true to Manly – a relaxed, welcoming space where people can enjoy fresh local seafood and take in the beauty of the harbour. It’s a simple, coastal venue shaped by the warmth and spirit of the locals,” he adds.
Head chef and Palawa man Luke Bourke has worked alongside Corey Costelloe (ex-Rockpool and current chef-owner of Marrickville’s award-winning 20 Chapel) to create the menu. Expect quality Aussie produce, with the chefs hitting up local fishers and growers.
Menu highlights include freshly shucked oysters with native kelp vinegar and cucumber mignonette; a prawn cocktail; an abalone schnitzel sandwich with salted chilli mayonnaise; a chilled seafood platter featuring king prawns, Sydney rock oysters, tuna tartare, honey bug cocktail and lemongrass pipis; and a showstopping Queensland mud crab with black pepper and curry leaf sauce.
Feel like a classic fish and chips? Choose from a selection of market fish, served with house-made tartare sauce pimped up with pickled Warrigal greens and Felons IPA malt vinegar. For dessert, step back in time with a seasonal trifle plucked from your nan’s cookbook – this winter, it’s served with port wine–poached plums (yum).
The drinks list is fun. Take Felons Super Cold Crisp Lager, for example. Poured at -2°C, the team reckons it’s Australia’s coldest lager – and with a lean malt profile, light bitterness and smooth finish, it’s going to go down a treat come summer. We’re also fond of the Salt and Vinegar Martini made with Oyster Shell Gin, caperberry brine and chardonnay vinegar; and a striking blue Yuzu Break with Four Pillars Fresh Yuzu Gin, blue curaçao and amaretto. Whites, rosé and fizz are mostly from Australia and designed to be matched with fresh seafood. Hello, Sunday sessions.
Dean Romeo, brand director for Felons Brewing Co, says: “This picturesque location is the perfect backdrop for what we see as a new spiritual home for Felons – a space that champions simplicity, fresh Australian seafood and our passion for great beer.”
One prawn cocktail and Salt & Vinegar Martini, please.
Find out more here.
Address: E Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095
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