Chef Luke Mangan to bring back the CBD long lunch event without help from the NSW Govt

The Minns government might have axed Sydney’s Open for Lunch event, but that hasn’t stopped Luke Mangan from ploughing ahead with his own event.

Chef and restaurateur Luke Mangan is bringing back a long lunch event in Sydney’s CBD — without the help of the NSW government.

Last year the Minns government axed the Open for Lunch event which was championed by former premier Dominic Perrottet to get people back spending money in the CBD.

Mangan, who runs glass brasserie at the Hilton and Luke’s Kitchen at the Kimpton Margot Hotel, was behind the original event and is set to bring it back to reignite Sydney’s hospitality industry during a cost of living crisis.

Mangan has partnered with event production company Triumph Leisure Solutions and will host a 300-person grand gala lunch on Friday, July 12, at Kimpton Margot Hotel on Pitt Street in the CBD.

“A Taste Sensation” will be held inside the grand lobby of the art deco hotel, and as well as a three-course feast with matching wines, it will include bands, DJs, and ballet and ballroom dancers performing. There will also be a host of surprises.

Chef Luke Mangan in the lobby of The Kimpton Margot Hotel where he plans to host his long lunch. Picture: Jane Dempster

“We want to bring a lightness and party atmosphere back to the city. It’s a good change for everyone to let their hair down,” Mangan said.

“It was deliberate choice to make it affordable. It’s tough times and we want people to see the value for money. Three courses with matching wines, plus all the entertainment for $120 is a steal.”

Mangan and former premier Dominic Perrottet at Open For Lunch in 2022. Picture: Janie Barrett

Mangan said he was “ devastated” when the Minns government knocked back the long lunch on George St.

But he hopes A Taste Sensation will reignite the city, especially in the depths of winter when it’s usually a quieter time in hospitality.

“The whole idea is the Friday lunch will have a roll-on effect,” he said.

“People might go to another bar or restaurant afterwards, or stay at a hotel or visit a retail shop before.”

The lunch comes after Mangan revealed to The Daily Telegraph he was turning the bar at Luke’s Kitchen into another outpost of his successful Luc-san in Potts Point.

Tickets to A Taste Sensation cost $120pp and are on sale from Friday.

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