Atomic Beer Project

Overview

A new microbrewery has opened in Redfern, thanks to WA beer brand Gage Roads Brewing Co. After snapping up the Redfern digs last March, the Perth brewery has opened its very first taproom — and we're lucky enough to have it right here in Sydney. Punters can expect much more than just a brewpub, too — a Thai-inspired restaurant and an all-day co-working space are part of the space.

At the bar, you'll find Atomic Beer Project signatures — such as the pale ale, XPA and IPA — alongside seasonal and experimental releases, which already include a red ale and porter. Beer styles that haven't been brewed previously under the Gage Roads banner are also up for grabs. The bar also offers wine and spirits by local producers including Brix Distillers, Poor Toms and Archie Rose.

While the bar slings the booze, the kitchen serves up Southeast Asian share plates by Head Chef Jordan McLeod (Longrain Tokyo). The seasonal menu features small bites like porter-braised beef cheek stuffed in croissants, grilled tiger prawn skewers with green curry butter and kingfish sashimi with shoyu dressing. Larger plates include chargrilled riverine sirloin with chimichurri, pork and squid nuoc cham salad, barbecued Bannockburn chicken with soy mirin glaze and yellow curry with roasted cauliflower, eggplant and snake beans.

The brand invested a whopping $3 million into the 578-square-metre space, working with Promena Projects (Bopp & Tone, Brix Distillers, Tayim) and interior design studio YSG (Edition Coffee Roasters, The Collectionist). The industrial fit-out features polished concrete, rusted beams and stainless steel elements — including the brewhouse tanks, which are on full display. Meanwhile, heaps of colour can be found in the furnishings, including the neon green bar, bright red tables and forest green tiled walls.

On the upper level is an open dining room that doubles as a co-working space with views to the brewhouse below. It boasts office amenities like unlimited wifi and bookable tables with USBs and power sockets — plus coffees from 7am daily, an all-day menu and beer on tap, of course.

Having launched way back in 2004, Gage Roads has expanded to become one of Australia's largest independently owned breweries. In 2018, it rebranded nationally as Good Drinks and acquired Western Australian brewery Matso's — makers of the state's favourite alcoholic ginger beer — with more brands expected to join Good Drinks in the future.

Images: Steven Woodburn

Appears in:

The Best Sydney Brewery Bars for 2023