Taste of Brookie

Overview

Brookvale in the Northern Beaches was once best known as an industrial hub, with more warehouses and workshops than hospitality venues. In recent years, however, the suburb has attracted an influx of creatives and makers — and, in particular, it has emerged as a dynamic Sydney destination for craft beer and indie distilleries. Celebrating this bounty of beverages: the first-ever Taste of Brookie Festival.

This weekend-long party is packed with savoury bites, craft brews and speciality spirits, showcasing the area's ascent as one of the Harbour City's most up-and-coming hospo spots. From Friday, May 24–Sunday, May 26, local cellar doors are swinging wide open — including at Freshwater Brewing Co, 4 Pines, Bucketty's, Dad & Dave's, 7th Day Brewery, Nomad Brewing Co and Broken Bay Brewing, as well as at Manly Spirits Co, Seadrift Distillery and Goodradigbee Distillers.

Taste of Brookie isn't just about great drinks — it's also about community. Expect live music sets and DJs spinning back to back bangers, as well as special menus, street eats, and a range of fun activities from cocktail masterclasses and petting zoos to car boot sales and even a chicken nugget festival. Other highlights include a roller rink and bobbing for apples at Manly Spirits Co, a bottomless brunch at Freshwater Brewing to celebrate the launch of its new craft ale Send It, lobster rolls with no-to-low alcohol cocktails at Seadrift, and chocolate and whiskey pairings alongside cheese and wine tastings at Goodradigbee Distillers.

With events and pop-ups taking over the entire footprint of Brookvale's former industrial estate, there's something for everyone, including the kids and your four-legged friends. Entry to all venues is free (although many events and activities have a charge), and visitors can access an interactive digital passport to guide their journey and make the most of the weekend's stacked lineup.