Felons Brewing Co. has expanded from its Brisbane home to Sydney’s Manly, taking over the Manly Wharf Bar from 18 October.
In April 2024, Manly Wharf was acquired by Artemus Group, which has also taken charge of Brisbane’s Howard Smith Wharves. The group is transforming the Sydney waterfront precinct, with Felons to serve as a central feature of the revitalised wharf experience.
Adam Flaskas, co-founder and director of Artemus Group, is looking forward to bringing a new experience to Manly Wharf.
“We’re excited to unveil Felons’ new home at Manly Wharf. Our vision for Manly Wharf has always been to create a dynamic, community-focused destination, that fuses dining, and entertainment and raises the bar on hospitality,” he said.
Paul Henry, co-founder and director of Artemus Group, said that the area held personal significance.
“As a Sydney boy, I have had many fun times on the Northern Beaches. Manly is the gateway to our famous city, and truly special, where the ocean meets the harbour. Felons is a special beer, to be enjoyed with friends and fun times. I am excited and indeed honoured to be involved in the revitalisation of the iconic Manly Wharf and to bring our beloved Felons brewery to its new home in Sydney,” he said.
Flaskas and Henry founded Felons Brewing Co. alongside CEO Luke Fraser, brand director Dean Romeo, and brewery director Tom Champion. With more than 75 years of collective brewing experience, the focus is on creating high-quality and approachable beer.
“Our brewing philosophy at Felons Brewing Co. has always been guided by a core belief – to brew no-fuss beer with fresh, local ingredients while focusing on balanced and sessionable products that drive sociability and memorable experiences for our customers,” Champion said.
Felons Manly will showcase a range of Felons’ beers, including core range beers Crisp Lager, Galaxy Haze, and Australian Pale Ale, as well as barrel-aged beer, and seasonal and limited-edition brews.
Guests can enjoy their drinks alongside a menu designed by Corey Costelloe, former culinary director of Rockpool Bar and Grill, who has brought his philosophy of simple cooking and using best-in-class produce to the venue. Dishes include a 600g CopperTree Farms 45-day dry-aged bone-in ribeye; Clarence River baby octopus with lemon, chilli and oregano; pizza with Felons Pale Ale-infused dough; and whole butterflied whiting from Coffs Harbour, NSW.
Felons Manly will also offer a vibrant new music program, with live jazz, soul, and funk bands playing most nights, as well as regular DJ sets focusing on disco, 80s boogie and Afrocentric tunes. In addition, Felons will introduce its Lifestyle Club, which aims to foster community connections through events like weekly beer and yoga sessions, local charity events, sustainability workshops, and collaborations with Manly artists.
Dean Romeo, Felons Brand Director, said that the brewery’s new location should be well-received by the local community.
“Manly couldn’t be a better fit for Felons. The lifestyle enjoyed in the Northern Beaches is up there with the best in the world and we’re excited to share that. Locals and visitors alike can expect an inclusive space where people from all walks of life can come together, and relax in good company, all while celebrating the magic of beer.”