Overview
It's official: the Philter Public Bar will finally swing open its doors from midday today, Friday, August 21. After announcing its pending launch in November of last year and opening its bottle shop as a teaser in early June, the newest addition to the Marrickville brewery scene is finally here.
Set in an old yoghurt factory opposite Wicks Park, the location is very well placed — it's just down the block from Batch and close walking distance to Sauce, Wildflower, Grifter and Willie The Boatman. Yeah, it has turned into one massive brewery crawl indeed.
The brewpub pays homage to the building's 1960s heritage, as well as the 1980s Australiana vibe of Philter's can design. Expect "suburban pub nostalgia" aplenty, like hanging Tiffany lamps, hand-painted signage and a handmade tile bar with a bar top that's been rescued from a local pub. Plus a black chesterfield sofa and simple round tables and chairs. The somewhat kitschy, old school fit-out certainly suits the brand well.
The public bar overlooks a brand new brewery and boasts a viewing deck with bar stools, so punters can watch the brewers in action while they sip fresh-as drops. It'll produce over one-million litres of beer per year, heaps of which will end up on the bar's taps. This includes Philter's first limited-edition brew — a hoppy dark ale dubbed Marrickville Nights — which will be available at the bar over the following days.
First launched back in 2017, the gypsy brewery has become well-recognised for its retro tinnie branding and sessionable styles. It's led by one of Australia's first female brewers (and former Young Henrys head brewer) Samara Füss — who is, fittingly, a bit of a legend in the local beer scene — and Marrickville neighbours and beer lovers Stefan Constantoulas and Michael Neil.
The public bar will be open five days per week, but it's run by reservations only on weekends — so you better get booking.
Philter Public Bar is now open at 92–98 Sydenham Road, Marrickville. Opening hours are 5–9pm Wednesday–Thursday, 12–10pm Friday–Saturday and 12–6pm Sunday. Bookings are a must from Friday through Sunday, so be sure to nab a table here.
Images: Liz Ham