Sails on Lavendar Bay owner set to shake things up on South Steyne

Restaurateur Greg Anderson­ said he has big plans for the three-storey property on South Steyne, and they couldn’t be further from the site’s predecessors.

• Whooping cough cases up by 500% on the northern beaches
• Residents get neighbourly to increase the sale price of their homes
• High hopes for the peninsula

Restaurateur Greg Anderson­ said he has big plans for the three-storey property on South Steyne, and they couldn’t be further from the site’s predecessors.

The owner of fine dining restaurant Sails on Lavender Bay said he wants to turn the Manly beachfront space – formerly Manly Beach Club, Manly Salt House and the controversial Shore Club – into a place to enjoy good food and socialise with friends.

“It’s a really rundown site that has been mismanaged for quite some time,” said Mr Anderson.

“The difference with what we’re doing is we’re creating a place for people to come to eat, to catch up with their friends and to socialise rather than a place to come and party.”

Mr Anderson said their focus was on food.

“Of course there will be a bar component but it won’t be for late night trading.”

In terms of the layout, Mr Anderson said there was something for everyone.

“There will be a casual beach bar on ground level, an up-market restaurant on the middle level and then a rooftop bistro on the top level.”

“We think this gives both manly locals and visitors a choice of different price points as well as different food, flavours and menu items and I think it is what this area is crying out for.”

Mr Anderson said the second­ level restaurant would be fine dining but without huge costs.

“We want to implement a lot of what we’ve learnt at Sails; entry level fine dining, a good wine list, beautiful food, and somewhere you can come for an anniversary.”

While previous occupants may have focused just on alcohol­, Mr Anderson said people want more these days.

“We’re investing a lot of time and money into this to make sure we have something for everyone. Our business plan doesn’t allow for drinks only, there’s no money in it.”

“It’s fraught with problems, you need security, it’s too flippant and people drop you at the first instance for something else new. Sydney is going a different way, it’s all about catching up with friends and food – and that’s what we’re focused on.

An application for the $1.4m development was submitted before Christmas and many residents have already­ submitted objections.

Mr Anderson said based on the predecessors, he understands people’s concerns – but wants to make it clear he has no intention of following that path. Mr Anderson said they were hoping to be open by Christmas.