Sophisticated Coastal Cool

Manly Wharf, one of Sydney’s most covetable dining and entertainment precincts, has been home to Manly Wharf Hotel for over 18 years, and now there are more reasons than ever to visit this popular harbourside institution. ‘Wharfy’, as it’s favourably called by locals, has long been a hub for the community, and last year, the venue underwent an extensive renovation reopening just in time for summer with an impressive new look, and the addition of an incredible new restaurant, The Tropic.

Owner, Ben May said: “The locals are loving this new chapter for the venue and we had an awesome fi rst summer back open. It’s the Wharf Bar that everyone knows and loves, but better. We are really proud of the evolution of the venue and the incredible dining, drinking and entertainment experiences we have created.”

The reinvigorated venue elevates the already vibrant wharfside precinct, surf culture and beachside living.

The stunning retro-inspired design by Alexander & Co makes the most of the unbeatable views and oozes sophisticated coastal cool with pops of warm colour and terrazzo fi nishes inside.

Known to be the place to meet with friends for drinks and a weekend party destination for Northern Beaches revellers, there is now a whole new reason to visit Wharf Bar. New Executive Chef, Francois ‘Franky’ Poulard, has come in to shake things up and bring his fresh approach to the pub menu and open the new restaurant, The Tropic, that now runs next door to the main bar.

Franky, a Manly local himself, has an impressive background with stints at Chiswick, Aria and North Bondi Fish, and loves cooking the kind of food that people want to eat. Poulard has done a complete overhaul of the pub menu using quality produce and ingredients in hopes of changing people’s perceptions.

“We have been getting really great feedback on the new menu and people keep coming back just for the food. We want it to be somewhere locals come to meet their family and friends for a good meal any day of the week. We are also cooking up some of the best pizzas in Manly now.” “The locals are loving this new chapter for the venue and we had an awesome first summer back open. It’s the Wharf Bar that everyone knows and loves, but better.” Ben May, Owner

WORDS + PHOTOS: WHARF BAR

The menu has something for everyone and is full of classics with a fresh twist; from fresh tiger prawns on ice, grass fed rump steak, fi sh and chips, burgers, schnitzel, fi sh tacos, to a seared yellowfi n tuna nicoise salad and a kingfi sh poke bowl. The chefs are hand-stretching fresh pizza dough all day to make a range of fl avour-packed pizzas cooked to order in the custom-built wood-fi red pizza oven. Perfectly pair your meal with a cold beer or two.

THE TROPIC

Poulard is also leading the charge at The Tropic and has designed a Mediterranean-inspired menu with a strong seafood focus made for the idyllic harbourside location. Alongside ex-Bert’s alumni Steven Lebreuilly (Venue Manager) and Gracy Ticout (Restaurant Manager), they bring their expertise and effortless service style to the laid-back surf meets city vibe of The Tropic.

The impressive wharf-side outdoor terrace is unrivalled in Manly with views overlooking Jetty Bar and the glistening harbour water. The ultimate dining spot for sunny days, settle into one of the luxe banquettes for a long leisurely lunch that will probably turn into sunset cocktails. The menu is made for shared feasting - think starting with oysters, freshly shucked upon ordering and washed down with a glass of Champagne. There are also hand-sized prawn cocktails cupped in crispy gem lettuce and delicious wood-fi red bread with a selection of shared antipasto plates.

One of the highlights of the menu is the crispy fi sh sandwich, already heralded as one of the best in Sydney. The cold seafood platter is a sight to behold. It’s one of the most vibrant photo-worthy dishes in Sydney. If you feel like indulging, the Eastern rock lobster, split in half and grilled with herb butter is served with a very generous pile of shoestring fries, or there’s ‘Franky’s Double Cheeseburger’ which will have you drooling.

To satisfy your sweet tooth, there’s a delicate raspberry and coconut pavlova, or if you need a post-meal pick me up, The Tropic affogato with cinnamon ice cream and a shot of Frangelico is the way to go.

Pair any of these dishes with the wine list made up of talented Australian winemakers, 3 litre double magnums of AIX French rosé, or easy sipping cocktails like the spiced pineapple margarita. You’ll never want to leave.

If you’re looking for somewhere to host your next celebration out with a group of friends, hen’s party, or special event, the restaurant’s stunning lightfi lled private dining room can seat up to 30 people and opens out onto the deck outside. It’s unlike any other space on the Northern Beaches. ENTERTAINMENT

Wharf Bar continues to have a jampacked entertainment line-up with live music and acoustic sets in the main bar during the week. DJs bring the party vibe every Friday and Saturday, and epic Sunday Sessions to round out the weekend.

The Tropic has just launched ‘The Tropic Live’ acoustic music sessions on the terrace every Sunday from 3pm. The restaurant will be fi lled with the sounds of incredible local talent with live acoustic music sessions every Sunday from 3pm. Drop in for a few afternoon snacks and wines or book in for dinner and a sunset and be soothed by sounds from the likes of Uncle Jed, Zed Apton, Seani Marchetti and Vale Duo.

With a buzzing atmosphere and relaxed coastal vibes, there’s no better place to sit back with a fresh cocktail and soak in the best harbour views in town.

See you at the Wharf Bar. •

WHARF BAR, MANLY WHARF, EAST ESPLANADE, MANLY // (02) 9977 1266 INSTA: @MANLYWHARFHOTEL // www.wharfbar.com.au INSTA: @THETROPICMANLY // www.thetropicmanly.com.au