Hold the Meat

Nutritionist Michael Pollan famously decreed that everything he has learned about food and health could be summed up by a simple maxim:


"Eat food, not too much, mostly plants!”

Don’t worry, that doesn’t mean a life of salads. The Hold in Manly are dedicated to serving up sumptuous meaty food of the vegan persuasion.

“Meat”

The new range of plant-based burgers are made with an artisanal proprietary blend of natural plant proteins that create delicious, nutritious “meat” …without the animal. They’ve even come up with a plant-based bacon burger based on a soy substitute and flavoured with maple syrup, coconut flake, and liquid smoke.

“We had a desire be more eco-conscious,” says owner Keith Skinner, “and the increasing production of meat is contributing towards many environmental issues. We’re happy to be able to offer guests a delicious alternative to real meat.”

Eco & Tasty

According to the UN, worldwide meat production has increased 20% in the past decade. And while it takes more than 2,400 gallons of water to produce 1 pound of beef, plant-based alternatives require as little as 200 gallons.

“We were able to find a new vegan product from the US that tastes remarkably like real meat and chicken.” says Keith. “It is so good that some customers think we've made a mistake and have sent them real meat burgers to the table!”

Vegan, Gluten-free, and Dairy-free options

It's rare to find a bar with so many dietary requirements catered for. The Hold's Roasted sweet potato and pumpkin is served with chickpeas, rocket, cherry tomatoes, Spanish onion and harissa yoghurt, or with a dairy free option. Or try the is plant-based “chicken" nuggets with honey chipotle & bourbon bbq dipping sauces and triple cooked sweet potato wedges with sweet chilli sauce & sour cream.

Tequila Tuesdays & Whiskey Wednesdays

The hold has live music every Tue, Wed, Thu featuring a range of solo musicians and local heroes The Realmers often play on Sunday nights. Every Tueday the tequila & tecate flow like water at just $5 a pop, and the first Wednesday of the month sees a regionally themed Whiskey Tasting.