New owners of iconic Manly Pavilion working on May opening of bar, wedding venue to follow

IT’S BEEN abandoned, vandalised and forgotten - but new owners want to give Manly Pavilion its mojo back. They say it’ll become the ‘Icebergs of the northern beaches’.

• VIDEO: Manly Waterworks dilapidated-but owners reveal revamp plan
• Manly Waterworks part of new plan for Manly Pavilion reopening

THE family breathing new life into the Manly Pavilion restaurant says it’ll become the “Icebergs of the northern beaches” — but with a more affordable price tag.

The Severino family, which runs venues including Miramare Gardens in Terrey Hills, is getting the restaurant ready to open at the end of next month.

The Manly Pavillion has fallen in to disrepair. Picture: Troy Snook

The run-down balcony looks towards Manly Cove and Sydney Heads. Picture: Troy Snook

The site has been empty for years and is now being remodelled into a new restaurant. Picture: Troy Snook

Inside the building is completely derelict. Picture: Troy Snook

The pavilion is a construction site at the moment. Picture: Troy Snook

It suffered vandalism while empty after going bust two years ago, when everything was left abandoned.

Now afternoon tea, Italian cuisine and cocktails on the terrace overlooking Manly Cove are on the menu.

Chef Lee Severino, chief executive Santo Severino and Manager Paul Severino are returning the restaurant to glory. Picture: Troy Snook

Chef Lee Severino, left, manager Paul Severino, and chief executive Santo Severino at the Manly Pavillion site. Picture: Troy Snook

Chef Jonathan Barhelmess ran a previous incarnation of the Manly Pavilion.

The Manly Pavilion is in an iconic spot at Manly Cove.

Manager Paul Severino, 33, said they hoped it would become as much a destination as the celeb-favourite Bondi venue Icebergs.

“It won’t be as fine dining, but the outlook and presence will be similar to Icebergs,” he said.

And while the venue has panoramic views to Sydney Heads, a remap of the downstairs into a function venue will allow brides to literally walk on water.

Bondi Icebergs is a popular venue in the Easter Suburbs. Picture: Destination NSW

Oprah Winfrey on the balcony at Icebergs where it looked like she was getting a photo of the view before departing Bondi Beach during her Australian visit. Picture: John Appleyard

The view of Bondi Beach from the Icebergs swimming pool. Picture: Istock

“This is the only room in Sydney where the water goes underneath,” said Mr Severino.

The whole family will run the venue, including brother Lee, as executive chef, with grandad Santo, at the helm. As there’s little parking, Mr Severino said they hoped people would use public transport. They also hope to offer boat moorings.

Also reported in the Manly Daily, the family’s plans to revive the Manly Waterworks park.

An artist impression of the future function venue, downstairs at Manly Pavilion. Picture: Supplied

An impression of the function bar at Manly Pavilion. Picture: Supplied