Mega beachside grill shaping up at Manly Greenhouse

The launch of northern mega-venture Manly Greenhouse is just six weeks away, and Good Food can confirm an eclectic crew is being assembled at the seaside venture.

Owner Greg Anderson says Craig Hemmings, a fixture on the fine dining scene before helping to steer the opening of Chin Chin Sydney, will be Manly Greenhouse's general manager, and former Hugo's Manly chef Colm Kennedy has signed on as executive chef.

Anderson, the Aria-trained chef and co-owner of Sails on Lavender Bay, says Hemmings helped shape Manly Greenhouse.

"When Craig arrived back from working in Singapore he came and had a look and said he thought the area needed a great beachside grill. The opening was a long way off, and he went off to Chin Chin. He loves the site and is living on the north shore, so it's great to have him."

Anderson says Kennedy's involvement brings the benefit of local intel on Manly diners, coupled with the experience to run a mega venue licensed for 400 people, complete with grill and separate "rustic" Italian eatery.

It'll be a busy year for Manly, with Merivale's Queen Chow taking up residence early June, along with the arrival of Sake and Fratelli Fresh restaurants in August.