Bringing fresh energy to iconic Manly Wharf, Felons Manly is the ultimate spot for waterfront vibes, craft beers, and group get-togethers. Swing by for a Mediterranean-inspired pub menu, top-notch wood fired pizzas plus exclusive Felons brews, all served just steps from the water.
Picture this: afternoon sun streaming through wide windows, harbour waves gently tapping against the wharf below, and the hum of conversation rising above carefully crafted beers. This isn't just another waterfront spot - it's the reinvented Felons Manly, a thoughtful transformation of the beloved Wharf Bar that has been a fixture on Manly's shoreline for years.
The challenge is one we've seen play out across Sydney's hospitality scene: How do you honour a venue's history and local significance while creating something new? How do you design a space that stands up to salty air and changing seasons? And perhaps most importantly, how do you win over locals who might be protective of their favourite waterfront haunt?
Felons Brewing Co. has navigated these waters skilfully in their Manly location. The Brisbane-born brewery has respected the wharf's character while introducing elements that reflect a relaxed coastal vibe. Warm timber features are balanced with subtle nautical touches that feel authentic rather than themed. The result is a space that feels both fresh and familiar - no small feat when taking over a local institution.
Felons Brewing Company, as a brand, and as a venue and as a brewing business, is all about creating a space where all walks of life can come and relax and feel comfortable. A place where you can come and instantly feel like you can drop your shoulders and, you know, a place that feels natural to have a conversation.
- Dean Romeo
Fun Fact: The name Felons comes from a true tale of four convicts who set sail from Sydney to Illawarra in 1823, only to be blown off course. Lost at sea, they eventually shipwrecked on Moreton Island near Brisbane, where they lived with the Indigenous people of the area.
While the new venue isn’t looking to encourage any outlaw behaviour, the story symbolises a spirit of adventure—something the team embraces as they bring Felons' legacy full circle, returning from Brisbane to Sydney more than 200 years later.
What makes Felons Manly stand out is its thoughtful layout. The design creates different areas that flow naturally into one another - from the casual bar where locals gather for post-swim drinks, to comfortable dining spaces where the food is as impressive as the harbour outlook. Well-positioned outdoor areas (protected by quality shade solutions) create comfortable spaces for year-round enjoyment, adapting to Sydney's changeable weather.
The materials chosen show real consideration for the coastal setting: durable finishes, textured timber, and metal accents that will age gracefully with exposure to the elements. It's smart design that embraces its beachside location.
We're delighted to extend our partnership with the Felons team, to provide heavy duty, customised 'Double Caspar' patio umbrellas made for the coastal setting.
Photography: Pablo Veiga
