The new owners of Manly Wharf have this morning announced that Felons Seafood will be taking over the space once held by The Bavarian restaurant.
Felons Brewing Co, part of the Artemus Group that first had success with its reboot of a Brisbane-based wharf precinct, said the new offering will provide “a seasonal menu focused on responsibly sourced Australian seafood, paired with Felons’ signature brews and a curated list of crisp wines and coastal cocktails.”
The arrival of Felons has had a mixed reception, with locals applauding the overdue upgrade of the wharf area and restroom facilities but showing less enthusiasm a reduced beer selection and premium pricing. Brand Director, Dean Romeo said the team remained confident the wharf will become a space the community enjoys spending time in.
“We’re continuing our commitment to community-focused hospitality by creating a space that reflects the laid-back spirit of the Australian coastline. Positioned on the edge of picturesque Manly Cove, it’s a place you can perch up for a drink and a light snack or settle in for a lunch or dinner to remember.”
Felons Seafood will open in late-June and is the second Sydney venue to launch under the direction of Artemus Group (The first being the rebranded Manly Wharf Bar into Felons).
Co-founder and director of Artemus Group and Felons Brewing Co, Adam Flaskas, who has become a Queensie local, shared the new seafood restaurant had nabbed the The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2025 ‘young chef of the year’, Luke Bourke, who would be designing the menu alongside former Rockpool culinary director and now Artemus culinary consultant, Corey Costelloe.
“We’re thrilled to have Luke Bourke lead the kitchen at Felons Seafood,” he said. “His experience and vision will bring a fresh perspective to the seafood scene in Manly, and we look forward to offering locals and visitors a place to enjoy fresh, simple and high-quality seafood right on Sydney Harbour.”
The menu features raw bar favourites, whole grilled fish, and reimagined seafood classics.
Bourke said they would be “working closely with local fishers and growers to keep the menu fresh, simple, and grounded in the best of what our local waters and producers have to offer.”
There is already plenty of action underway at the wharf, with new fencing being installed all around its perimeter and recent approval for the ground-level toilets for the public.
Read more about the wharf
Manly Wharf owners in million dollar bid for safer fencing
Wharf Bar rebrands as Felons Manly as barrel hall and microbrewery plans go on show
