Wilson’s Boathouse back bigger and better with more future plans

An iconic seafood restaurant on Brisbane’s bayside, which movie star Angelina Jolie once visited, is back with a bang but the owner isn’t done yet.

Owner Neil Jedid at Wilson’s Boathouse. Picture: AAP/Richard Walker

AN iconic seafood restaurant on Brisbane’s bayside is back with a bang.

Wilson’s Boathouse reopened earlier this year following months of renovations and works at the venue on Trafalgar St, where movie star Angelina Jolie once visited.

Restaurant owner Neil Jedid helped relaunch Wilson’s Boathouse with a special event, The Duck and Villa Marie Wine Dinner, on August 13 where well-known international chefs Russell Armstrong and Romain Bapst took over the kitchen one night only.

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The restaurant also won Best Seafood Restaurant at the Formal Dining Queensland and Northern Territory Awards at the weekend.

Neil Jedid at new and improved Wilson’s Boathouse. Picture: AAP/Richard Walker

Wilson’s at Manly is now Jedid’s sole focus after selling several other locations in Brisbane and Melbourne. The bayside resident said he wanted to give the area the best seafood restaurant possible.

“We’re very happy to be back better than ever,” Mr Jedid said.

“These renovations were much needed for a long time and they look great.”

Now Mr Jedid, an experienced restaurateur, wants to put more money into the local economy through further extensions and improvements to his location on the water at Manly.

However, he currently only has a month by month lease for the site which makes it difficult to plan for the future and invest more money.

Wilsons Neptune Platter at Wilson’s Boathouse. Picture: AAP/Richard Walker

“I love this place and this area and all I want to do is give back as much as possible,” Mr Jedid said.

“I already only use local businesses because I feel that’s the best way to do things and to support other locals rather than just sourcing products from other businesses just to cut costs.

“Now I want to put a lot more money into works at the restaurant but I just need to have a long term tenure to be able to do that but hopefully we can work something out with Transport and Main Roads.”

A TMR spokesman said they are unable to provide details of lease arrangements with tenants as this is commercial in confidence.

“Should there be any changes to the current lease arrangements, we will discuss them directly with the tenant,” he said.

State Member for Lytton Joan Pease said while the lease was an issue for Transport and Main Roads, making sure the area along the water at Manly was maintained properly was a priority for her.

“We have done things to make sure the area is kept nice for residents to enjoy,” she said.