Since taking ownership of Manly Wharf last year, Brisbane-based Artemus Group has gone to great lengths to spruce up the much- loved site. Artemus’ first project was to relaunch Manly Wharf Bar as Felons Manly last October. It’s a happening place on a Saturday night, with a DJ mixing tunes, an expanded outside seating area with a beautiful new bar and plenty of shade over every table, and a revamped indoor restaurant with bar stools lining the windows.
Views to East Manly Cove opened up when Artemus knocked down two walls in the restaurant, making the indoors just as inviting as outside.
It’s all about creating memorable moments for guests, says Felons Brewing Co brand director Dean Romeo. “Felons is all about living the good life,” says Dean. And the company has brought in former Rockpool culinary director Corey Costelloe to upscale the menu – but not the price.
So you will find a beautiful selection of meat (the 45-day dry aged rib eye served with crispy potato pave is a great one to share), seafood, burgers – and even artisan pizza made by a genuine Italian ‘pizzaiolo’ (pizza maker).
Dean says the menu is about ‘sprinkling’ in flavours of the Mediterranean. It was lovely to be able to start with tuna crudo, with the delicate flavours offset by tangy capers and tart lemon. It’s not something you normally find on a ‘pub’ menu. The pizza is something of a specialty, with the base a 36-hour proofed sourdough, kickstarted by Felons’ own pale ale and topped with stunningly fresh ingredients like Manly oyster mushrooms, garlic prawns and even spicy Moreton Bay bugs. Gorgeous!
In terms of beverages, Felons offers a huge range of award-winning craft beers. Signature cocktails like frozen lychee margarita – with a mango mate to match – will be sure to cool you down on a hot day. Slushies for adults!
Felons also has an underlying philosophy about welcoming and giving back to the community. So Sundays are all about family, with free face painting and a meat raffle, the proceeds (some $450 a week) going to local causes, including Lifeline Northern Beaches, Manly SLSC and the Bold and Beautiful Swim Squad. There’s 24-hour security ensuring the whole of Manly Wharf is safe for all, Dean says. So if you love fresh food, a bit of music peppering your Sunday afternoon – or a bit of a boogie on a Saturday – then Felons is the place to be.
Felons Manly East Esplanade, Manly felonsmanly.com.au | 9977 1266
