Artemus Group expands Manly Wharf portfolio
Brisbane-based hospitality operator Artemus Group has continued its trend of strategic acquisitions and high-profile talent recruitment at Sydney’s Manly Wharf.
The group made headlines last year with its A$110 million purchase of the wharf, signalling a major play in the precinct dining space. That expansion has since gathered pace with the addition of prominent venues and the appointment of culinary leaders to activate the revitalised harbourside destination.
Among the latest moves is the appointment of 2025 Good Food Guide Young Chef of the Year Luke Bourke as head chef of Felons Seafood, opening Friday, June 20. “I’m excited to be back working alongside Corey to bring this vision to life,” said Bourke, referring to Corey Costelloe, former Rockpool colleague and now culinary consultant to Artemus. Felons Seafood will focus on local seafood, including whole yellowbelly flounder and luderick, with abalone sandwiches also featuring on the opening menu.
The new venue seats 320 patrons across indoor and boardwalk spaces and replaces The Bavarian: it joins a growing roster that includes Felons Manly pub and the recently acquired Hugos Manly, reportedly purchased for A$20 million.
A microbrewery is also slated for a nearby site.
Artemus’ strategy mirrors its successful redevelopment of Brisbane’s Howard Smith Wharves into a bustling waterfront precinct, blending in-house concepts with leased operations such as Greca by Jonathan Barthelmess.
As space tightens on the wharf, existing tenants including Queen Chow, Sake and El Camino remain protected by long-term leases, but Artemus’ vision for a function space and expanding dining options continues to reshape Manly’s hospitality landscape.
Jonathan Jackson, 5th June 2025
