Celebrity chef Luke Mangan reveals why he is quitting his job at one of the country’s most famous restaurants

  • After almost twenty years, Mangan is leaving Sydney’s Glass Brasserie
  • The 54-year-old chef says it’s time to explore new culinary projects

After nearly two decades of serving lunches, celebrity chef Luke Mangan is hanging up his apron at the famed restaurant that made him a household name.

Mangan has revealed that he has decided to complete his collaboration at the iconic Glass Brasserie at The Hilton Sydney at the end of the year.

The 54-year-old has been running the landmark restaurant since the chic eatery opened in 2005 on the second floor of the city center hotel, overlooking the Queen Victoria Building.

Thanks to Mangan’s pioneering cuisine, Glass has since become a Sydney institution and has attracted celebrities from across the country and around the world, with guests from Delta Goodrem and Nicole Kidman to Elton John and Priscilla Presley.

But after nearly two decades at the helm, he says it’s time to explore new projects, leaving the restaurant in good hands as he bids an amicable farewell to the hotel.

Luke Mangan and chef Nicolas Ciosi pose in the award-winning kitchen of the Glass Brasserie

Hilton Sydney told the city’s Daily Telegraph that responsibility for overseeing Glass would now fall to executive chef Natalie Murphy and head sommelier Mauro Bortolato.

“Luke has been a great partner,” said Malcolm Zancanaro, managing director of Sydney Hilton.

Mangan celebrated his 18th anniversary with Glass last year by hosting a star-studded soiree at the restaurant and toasting its longevity.

“Restaurants in Sydney tend to have a lifespan of three to five years,” he said.

Mangan had run Sydney's iconic Glass Brasserie at the Hilton for almost two decades

Mangan had run Sydney’s iconic Glass Brasserie at the Hilton for almost two decades

Mangan hosted numerous celebrities, including Nine presenter Richard Wilkins, at the eatery

Mangan hosted numerous celebrities, including Nine presenter Richard Wilkins, at the eatery

‘The costs are so high and it is a tough undertaking.

‘I never thought we’d still be here eighteen years later, because it’s so damn fickle.

“But I just tried to stay informed.”

Mangan already has his hands full with three other restaurants in Sydney, including one of the world’s most exclusive restaurants atop the south-east pylon of the city’s harbor bridge.