The Ivanhoe Hotel
With alcohol-fuelled violence plaguing Manly, this pub took a clever way out. It started with a total renovation by Paul Kelly, the man responsible for The Bourbon and The Oaks. The resulting airy, modern hotel has a whitewashed and gently weathered Hamptons feel, with multiple spaces to enjoy, including The Pines, a nautical level fitted out by another big name – Sibella Court. Classier surrounds have seen a natural attrition from those visiting to drink’n’fight to folk more interested in sipping a Lychee Ginger and Elderflower Sling ($16) over lunch in one of the venue’s open-air courtyards. The jam jar cocktail craze has (sadly) made it across the Bridge, though the Ivanhoe Spiced Mule ($16) is worth drinking anyway. In terms of eats there’s burgers and pizzas – like the quirky Hot, Sweet and Savoury ($12/$18/$23) with leg ham, crème fraîche, sweet corn, mint, provolone, and jalapenos -made in a kitchen on the ground floor. With a nod to the not-quite-beachside location, it has one side open to The Corso, so you can also get takeaway pizza to eat on the beach. The bistro menu offers everything from steaks and salads, to plump Chicken Parmigiana ($22), but it was the updated Spanish Paella ($26.50) that really caught my attention.
The Ivanhoe Hotel
27 The Corso, Manly
Ph: (02) 9976 3955 ivanhoehotelmanly.com.au
Pub Bistro $$-$$$
