One of Sydney’s iconic tourist destinations is in “vital need of rejuvenation” with locals claiming venues are closing down in a “revolving door” fashion as for lease signs and boarded-up stores dot the area.
Manly’s famous Corso, which attracts some eight million tourists a year to its more than 200 retailers and hospitality venues along the open-air shopping strip and side laneways, currently has around a dozen storefronts sitting conspicuously empty.
Lantern Fish, a popular Asian fusion restaurant on Darley Road, is the latest victim to pull the plug earlier this month after two-and-a-half years in operation.
“Sadly Lantern Fish has closed its doors after continuously slow trade forced its hand,” popular local news outlet Manly Observer wrote.
“It had beautiful decor, high-quality food and cocktails and even got a respectable 13.5/20 from the tough judges at Good Food last year.”
One local commented, “Manly is like a revolving door. I can only imagine the newbies don’t do their homework. The rents are so ludicrous and it is a tough market. Manly used to be so fabulous and exciting.”
Another said, “Manly needs to get rid of its parking fees in council parking at night if it want people to eat there. Not everyone lives close by and can walk.”
A third agreed, “Two hours and it jumps to $12. It’s ridiculously high. Free parking from 6pm-10pm might bring in customers and then overnight parking charges so people actually remove their cars.”
Lantern Fish’...
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