In what seems a lifetime ago, my Fairlight home was notorious amongst my friends for extending its boundary by the judicious planting and maintenance of shrubs, ferns and garden beds. The ever-expanding Boathouse Group (with venues at Palmy, Balmoral, Shelley Beach, Patonga and Manly) have pulled a similar trick (but hopefully more sanctioned by Council) with the creation of Archie’s Bar.
I walk to the Manly ferry via the Manly to Spit walk, the last part of which is the boardwalk that wraps around the Manly Pavilion. It is a great view and I love walking through the arches on my way home. Last year council pulled a frustrating stunt by blocking access to the boardwalk on safety grounds. In the last couple of weeks a serious of white benches has appeared on the open space between the Manly Pavilion and Manly Aquarium along with quite expensive timber tables, large pots and plants.
There’s no doubt it is a nice place to drink. The views from the Boardwalk are wonderful and there are large sponsored umbrellas, which came in handy on the day. The serving bar is inside the Manly Pavilion and there’s seating inside as well. Prices aren’t too bad. $10 for a schmiddy of Balter is fine for the venue. Dangerously for me there is a 4-6pm happy hour, where Balters (or Peroni or 4 Pines Pacific) become $7. Very tempting on my walk home.
There’s a food menu that I’ll try when one of my wingperson daughters is with me. “Chicchetti” ranging from Olives and Anchovy Toast to whitebait and Octopus are available from $9 to $19. Archie’s done really well because within a month his Porchetta Sandwich has already become famous at $26.
This is already starting to become popular. On a Monday night, locals were out in force. You can watch the ocean or the never-ending stream of pedestrians that avail themselves of the wonderful and historic boardwalk. I just hope that the council doesn’t pull the boardwalk blocking stunt again.
back of the ferry 