Guinness & Oyster Festival

Overview

Two Sydney cocktail bars and a beloved celebrity chef are joining forces for a weekend-long celebration of two of the world's most divisive foodstuffs: oysters and Guinness. The pair of acquired tastes are beloved and berated in equal parts, and will come together for two days of freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and perfectly poured pints between Saturday, August 26–Sunday, August 27.

Inspired by the Galway International Oyster Festival in Ireland, the Guinness & Oyster Festival will be held at The Rocks favourite The Doss House in collaboration with its sibling venue Frank Mac's. Across the program, you can expect Guinness stalls, oysters courtesy of East 33, tasting sessions, live music, a food menu from popular chef Colin Fassnidge, and pop-up bars from Drumshambo, Basil Hayden, Glenglassaugh, Slane Irish Whiskey and Benriach Whisky.

Steven Woodburn

Fassnidge's array of eats will feature a whole pig on a spit, colcannon turnovers, and a beef and Guinness pie. The renowned Dublin-born, Sydney-based chef will also be jumping in on a Glenglassaugh tasting session at The Doss House from 4–4.45pm on Saturday, August 26.

Other tasting sessions popping up as part of the Guinness & Oyster Festival include a Drumshambo gin experience and a James B Beam distillery pop-up. Entry to the festival is free, but if you want to reserve a spot at one of these sessions, you'll have to purchase a ticket for between $27.78–75.43.

"Although the concept of pairing oysters with Guinness might be new to many people, I have no doubt when they taste the salty brine of an oyster alongside a creamy Guinness they'll be converted," says Ciara Doran from Heritage House Co (The Doss House, Frank Mac's).

Top image: Alana Dimou.