Chef Manu Feildel to Take Over Menu at Hoyts Cinema Lux

French chef and television personality Manu Feildel has announced he’ll be designing a new menu for Hoyts Lux, a premium cinema experience not unlike Event Cinema’s Gold Class.

Once you see a film here, it’s hard to go back. Providing an answer to Netflix in bed, the chairs recline all the way back; free popcorn awaits at your seat; unlimited soft drinks are included in your ticket; and a button beckons waiters delivering silver service-style food, cocktails and chilled champagne. It’s more than just watching a film: it’s a night out.

“My passion is to bring restaurant-quality food to a casual dining experience to create the ultimate dine in cinema experience,” says Manu Feildel in an official statement.

Feildel takes over from Chur Burger, which was behind Lux’s 2016 menu, and promises to put a Parisian twist on this year’s offering – revamping cinema favourites and introducing new items in keeping with his French heritage.

Expect cheeseburger sliders with Angus Beef patties, served on a toasted milk bun loaded with cheddar cheese, red-onion jam, pickles, Dijon aioli, tomato sauce, lettuce and tomato. There’ll also be signature pie options including traditional French-style beef bourguignon pies encased in Carême short-crust pastry (made with sour cream) and topped with creamy potato puree, golden breadcrumbs and thyme leaves. He’ll also be working his magic on the signature Maltesers Sundae.

The digital age has made it increasingly tricky to convince people to get off the couch to see a film, but has led to the rise of hybrid cinemas and elevated movie-going experiences. Take the new Palace Central Cinemas in Chippendale, for example. Designed by Damien Mulvihill, it’s more like a bar than a movie theatre.

“We’re excited to work with Manu to take in-cinema dining to a new level,” says Hoyts Group CEO Damian Keogh. “More is more at Hoyts Lux.”

Chef Manu will take over Hoyts Cinema Lux in March this year.