MKR star Manu Feildel moves into Botany warehouse
SUPERSTAR chef Manu Feildel is moving to Botany — cementing the suburb’s reputation as a burgeoning foodie hotspot.
Southern Courier
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SUPERSTAR chef Manu Feildel is moving to Botany — cementing the suburb’s reputation as a burgeoning foodie hotspot.
The My Kitchen Rules star is converting a warehouse into his new TV kitchen and event space. The French-born chef said he had been searching for months before looking in Botany.
“The agent took us here and we thought ‘bloody hell that’s not a bad place at all’. And I only live 10 minutes away from here so it makes sense.”
He explained work would soon start to create his TV kitchen, where he will shoot many of his shows and online videos.
There will also be a separate production kitchen and event space where he will host launches and other events. He will also rent the event space out. He said he would also use the kitchen for his new Duck In Duck Out take away business.
“I want this space to be used at all times for different reasons. I don’t think there is enough space like this in Sydney, full stop.”
The chef, who is currently filming for the next series of My Kitchen Rules, used to have a kitchen set up in Edgecliff.
“It is only when you move and put all your stuff in that you realise how much stuff you have.”
Feildel said he would also use the site for product launches and cooking demonstrations.
His move is the latest foodie coup for the area with Botannix Cafe, Botany Buzz and Croquembouche making waves in the city’s culinary scene.
The suburb is also set for a new craft brewery and pub in Erith St with plans currently under consideration.
“There is a change in the vibe of the area,” Marcus Dwyer of Bayside Business Enterprise Centre said. “The suburb’s deep roots started from new migrant running cafes feeding the many workers involved at Ports, ICI and Kingsford Smith Airport.
“Now top chefs and bakeries are grabbing a spot in the still affordable section of Sydney’s east.
“Each time I drive to around there is another new food outlet or eatery. Its so exciting.”
Port Botany councillor Christina Curry said it was a huge win for locals while Sydney Business Chamber’s Patricia Forsythe said it was a sign of things to come as the area thrived.