Luke Mangan eyes Brisbane’s Story Bridge for next venue
Luke Mangan is looking to expand his reach into Queensland and has Brisbane’s Story Bridge in his sights.
A restaurant on the Bridge would follow his 20-seater restaurant on Sydney’s Harbour Bridge. Luke’s Table is a collaboration with BridgeClimb in Sydney.
“I want to put a restaurant on the Story Bridge,” he told The Sunday Mail of his Queensland ambitions.
“When I was invited up to look at Howard Smith Wharves when it was still an empty site a few years ago, I thought, this is amazing; there are so many opportunities in Queensland, particularly as Brisbane heads towards the Olympics,” he said.
Story Bridge is built differently, however Mangan remains undeterred and is looking forward to adding to the flavour of an Olympics-led revitalisation.
“We opened (former restaurant) Salt in Sydney in February 1999, and what the 2000 Olympics did for restaurants in the city was incredible,” he said. “And I think what Brisbane has now are some amazing chefs and restaurants, but by 2032 it will be even better.”
Melbourne’s Andrew McConnell will unveil his second Asian-inspired Supernormal in Brisbane in late 2023, while La Luna’s Adrian Richardson has already opened Bos in the in Queen St.
“Queenslanders are very smart with their food; they know what they want – and you’ve got some of the best produce in the world up here,” Mangan said.
“There are already a lot of great restaurants but there’s room for everyone – follow the path the ‘stayers’ have laid because they’ve done a really good job.”
Mangan praised Simon Gloftis (Hellenika and SK Steak & Oyster), Tony Percuoco (Tartufo) and Jake Nicholson (Blackbird).
“They have set a standard and a discipline for great food and they’re still going because of it,” he said.
“Brisbane’s not a place people should ignore.”
Irit Jackson, 11th April 2023
