When you think of the Northern Beaches, images of stunning beaches, peaceful coastal walks and surfers come to mind. But nightlife and music? Not so much… until now.
Stepping off the ferry from Circular Quay and wandering down Manly Wharf, we’re greeted by a stunning scene: a warm evening, people relaxing outdoors and breathtaking views of the harbourside. Artemus Group, the team behind Felons Manly, has done a brilliant job of bringing life back to Manly Wharf, recently celebrating its first anniversary since taking ownership of the waterfront precinct.
Despite being at Manly Wharf for just one year, and already unveiling a seafood restaurant, a new beer garden and a family playground, the team has taken the transformation one step further, with the introduction of their new space, Felons Barrel Room.
The 700-capacity cultural hub and entertainment venue features a stage, bars and seating for more than 300 diners. It takes its name from the French oak barrels that line its walls, used to age a wide variety of Felons’ beers that are made on site, which guests can enjoy while soaking up a lineup of live music.
READ MORE: Australia’s coolest lager is poured straight from a frozen tap at Felons Seafood on Manly Wharf
The Felons Barrel Room will also serve up Vietnamese cuisine to hungry punters, developed by chef Bao La and Ty Bellingham (Sailor’s Thai, Bathers’ Pavilion’s Betel Leaf). They’ll be bringing the bustling energy of Saigon Streets to the Barrel Room, with a stacked menu featuring their beloved bành mi, Pacific oysters, Tasmanian octopus, chicken wings and much more.
Dean Romeo, the brand director of Felons Brewing Co., stated that the space will celebrate “the creative spirit that runs through the Manly community”, with their world-class audio and lighting system ready to spotlight both local talent and rising stars within Sydney’s music and entertainment scene.
To commemorate the opening of this exciting new space, Felons hosted a jam-packed launch weekend, which saw Winston Surfshirt perform at the venue on Friday, followed by Mental As Anything on Saturday, before wrapping up on Sunday, with a family-friendly day that evolved into a takeover by Australian dance label Sweat It Out.
We hopped on the ferry to Manly to check out the new venue, and to sample those icy-cold Felons lagers, of course.
READ MORE: Felons Manly is the modern brewpub we deserve
A seriously funky fit-out
Felons Barrel Room is in Manly, so obviously, it has to be cool and understated. The venue does exactly that. Guests can opt to sit on stalls next to barrels (which act as little tables) and watch the live performances, or stand right in the thick of it in the dancefloor/ moshpit area.
A glowing red neon ‘Felons’ sign points the way for anyone craving a cold lager (with a bar on either side of the room), while a shimmering disco ball scatters colour across the room. With the stage positioned in the middle of the room, the space comes alive, as guests can get right up close to the performers and dance the night away.
Opening the show was Australian band ‘Big Wheels’, who were a huge hit with the crowd. They later shared on their Instagram that the venue gave them “a sense of hope for original aussie live music” and that Felons “have brought to life a world-class venue in a space previously plagued with poker machines (yep, they demolished them) and soulless hospitality.”
Next to take the stage was legendary Australian band, Mental As Anything, known for their tunes “Live It Up” and “The Nips Are Getting Bigger”. They kept the celebration of local Sydney talent going with an electrifying, feel-good set that had everyone on their feet. We snacked on canapés freshly prepared by Saigon Summer Inn and drank Felon’s crisp lager, all while enjoying the incredible ambience of the new space.
READ MORE: Oysters, views and a salt & vinegar martini? Felons Seafood is now open
What’s next for Felons Barrel Room?
Adam Flaskas, the co-founder and director of Artemus Group, stated, “This summer, we’re excited to contribute to the cultural energy that already makes Manly such a special place, bringing together music, craft and community by the harbour.”
That plan is already coming to life, with live jazz scheduled for every Thursday at 7pm. The best part? Entry is free.
The space will be open Wednesday through to Friday from 11am until late, with a whole host of live entertainment scheduled to take place. It will also present themed events such as trivia and movie nights, comedy shows and intimate “piano bar” gigs.
They’ll also host ticketed events, with huge UK electronic artist Fish65Octagon heading to Felons Barrel Room on January 10, joined by Northern Beaches local legend Ben Gerrans, plus heavy hitters Human Movement and Flywaves.
For more information on the new venue, head to felonsmanly.com.au
