Glass Brasserie still at the top of the game 18 years on

Sydneysiders have been influenced by the activities of this restaurant, even if they’ve personally never stepped foot in it. If the walls of Glass Brasserie could talk, they would tell quite the story.

Chef Luke Mangan has led the way in Sydney for 18 years. Picture: Jonathan Ng

If the walls of Glass Brasserie could talk, they would tell quite the story.

Opened by chef Luke Mangan in 2005, the Level Two restaurant at The Hilton Sydney has served A-list celebrities from Elton John, Priscilla Presley, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.

It’s also been the location of some of the most famous power lunches in Sydney. Recently, 2GB Mornings Presenter Ray Hadley celebrating his recent history making ratings success at the venue, with Ben Fordham in tow.

While photos of NRL Chairman Peter V’landys and NRL CEO Andrew Abdo and Channel Sevens James Warburton and Lewis Martin chose glass to have their meeting about Channel 7’s $150m bid to steal the NRL television rights from Channel 9.

Luke Mangan is marking the 18th birthday of his restaurant Glass Brasserie at The Hilton Hotel on George Street in Sydney. Picture: Richard Dobson

Glass Brasserie in Sydney has been a celebrity and power players hot spot since it launched in 2005. Mangan has cooked for the likes of Delta Goodrem.

Priscilla Presley at the venue in 2007. Picture: Instagram

Sydneysiders have been influenced by the activities of this restaurant, even if they’ve personally never stepped foot in it.

In a city that is always on the lookout for the hottest new restaurant, Glass has remained one of the top restaurants in the city for over 18 years. Which is why Mangan is throwing a lavish party to celebrate.

Mangan is hosting a four-course black tie dinner on September 15, with entertainment from Australian Idol’s orchestra Greenhill Strings.

“Restaurants tend to have a three to five year lifespan in Sydney. The costs are so high and it’s a hard business. I never thought we would be here 18 years later because it’s so fricken fickle,” said Mangan.

“But I’ve just tried to stay on top of the game.”

Costing $345pp, VIP guests as well as recurring customers will be treated to champagne, caviar and dishes inspired by the menu over the past 18 years.

Chef Luke Mangan and Greenhill Strings orchestra members Emma Greenhill, Lily Innis and Emma Jardine at the Sydney CBD restaurant. Picture: Jonathan Ng

The restaurant’s success has offered inspiration to chefs and restaurateurs. Mangan adds when he opened in 2005, there wasn’t a lot of brasseries available.

“There weren’t many around and at 240 seats, we were the biggest and newest and flashiest around. Now French Brasserie’s are what everyone is doing.”

Luke Mangan at his Hilton based restaurant was still being built. Picture: Sarah Rhodes

However that hasn’t stopped Mangan from opening a new venue. Set to open in September, Lucsan in Kings Cross is a Japanese-French bar and restaurant. He also has Luke’s Kitchen at The Margot Kimpton Hotel.

“It’s a more casual offering than glass or Luke’s Kitchen so not as labour intensive,” he said. “But I like being creative and trying something new.”

Mangan is also in talks with the State Government to host the cities long lunch in December for a third year.