Now we’ve finally kicked all that rain, we can jump on board Summer. Or at least jump over to Manly to check out the revamped Manly Wharf Hotel Jetty Bar. After a busy day in the office, a hop, skip, and a jump (ok one ferry – and take the fast one and have a vino while you sail) and you’ll be sipping a Chandon spritz at Many Wharf Hotel in under 30 minutes. Cocktail in hand, say goodbye to work worries and hello to Summer.

The Manly Wharf Hotel’s Jetty Bar is a location that’s hard to beat. Go from ferry to drink in hand in about five minutes flat. The 180-degree harbour views are a bonus. The Jetty Bar has always been the main outdoor option at the Hotel, but until now its food and drink options have been limited, with the more substantial food and beverage menus only offered inside. That’s all changed – you can now access the full drinks list and entire new summer menu out on the deck. We give the big umbrellas, steller sun sets and fairy lights a big A Plus.

Whether it’s a cheeky after work cocktail, a post-swim snack or a Sunday session with friends, the new summer menu has you sorted. Fresh, local produce with a little splash of Asian infusion is the name of the game – top of our list is the soft-shelled crab Thai salad and the Japanese style tuna tartare. Munching on both dishes and sipping on a ‘Secret Garden Mojito’, we leaned into Summer big time.

There’s plenty of healthy options – those shredding for summer will love a crunchy buddha bowl and wholesome miso eggplant quinoa salad. Old pub favourites like steak, pork cutlets and burgers have not been forgotten either. But the crowning glory has to be the sumptuous Jetty Platter. Giant tiger prawns, Moreton bay bugs, oysters, a good serve of classic fish and chips, oh my! This is a definite crowd pleaser. Did it all jump right out of the water under the jetty and onto the plate?! Maybe – it’s that fresh and fabulous.

This close to the ferry, the Manly Wharf Hotel is a catch-all for a great mix of locals popping in on their way home, and city dwellers venturing out of their comfort zone. It’s the perfect spot for anyone looking for good food this summer, especially if you like knowing home isn’t too far away.

Manly Wharf Hotel
Manly Wharf, East Esplanade, Manly
Opening hours:
Mon – Fri: 11.30am – Midnight
Sat: 11am – 1am
Sun: 11am – Midnight
http://manlywharfhotel.com.au/