Overview
Tramsheds' Sir Chapel Bistro and Brewery has closed its doors, but Forest Lodge beer lovers need not fear — it's been replaced by yet another brewpub, though one with a decidedly different slant. Redline Taphouse and Kitchen is the new venue from chef Joe Slakey (Flying Fajita Sisters), who combines his passions for food and craft beer in one venue, which boasts ten rotating taps, a menu of Southern-style American eats and an outdoor beer garden to boot.
An avid home brewer, Slakey will make his professional beer debut with Redline. He's brewing on-site using the SmartBrew system, which takes about half the work of a pro brewery — this means Slakey isn't exactly brewing each batch from start-to-finish, but it's still notable. Redline's house lager will remain on tap and will be joined by special and seasonal releases that mainly stick to the American theme but include some Aussie and international beer styles as well. Current beers include the Mississippi pale ale and South Pacific lager, with a pilsner next up.
Some of the taps will be allocated to guest brews too, and they'll focus on Sydney-based breweries — especially those from their inner west circle, like Wayward, Young Henrys and Frenchies. The list will rotate every month based on customer feedback, with interstate and overseas names making their way on occasionally.
Slakey is a Seattle native, and the menu is a compilation of his favourite dishes from around the States, with a strong focus on the Deep South. Mains include Cajun jambalaya, crispy soft shell crab and grits, biscuits and sausage gravy and St. Louis-style pork ribs. Add on classic sides like Creole red beans and rice, bacon fat-fried green tomatoes and cheddar cheese hush puppies.
"I'm really excited to see Sydney's reaction to our food," says Slakey. "As a chef, you always want to be able serve up the dishes you enjoy the most and opening Redline is an opportunity for me to do that. It's real, down to earth American food and we think people will love it."
The fit-out is designed by Sonnet, who also took care of the interior for Bang Street Food. Think Americana meets Aussie pub, with the brew kit on front-and-centre display and a beer garden rounding out the offering.
Redline Taphouse and Kitchen is now open at Tramsheds Harold Park, 1 Dalgal Way, Forest Lodge. It's open Monday to Friday from 11.30am until late and Saturday and Sunday from 9am until late. For more info, visit redlinebrewingco.com.au.