Overview
Since rebranding as Sydney Brewery back in 2013, originally Schwartz Brewery, the heavily awarded craft brewery has become known for its suburb-specific beers. Now, it has expanded past its World Square digs and opened its very own brewhouse in Surry Hills. Located on the corner of Albion and Mary Streets within the Rydges Hotel, it's boasting fresh brews, beer-filled pub grub and live music.
While The Cidery (also within a Rydges Hotel) may showcase the brewery's range, the Surry Hills spot is a homegrown brewpub through and through — with owner Dr Jerry Schwartz heading the renovations. The fit-out takes on the typical warehouse vibes we've come to expect from the Sydney craft scene, with design elements like exposed brick and concrete walls, unfinished timber floors and patchwork wooden tables.
The brewery will of course be slinging the suburb's namesake Surry Hills Pils and Darlo Dark, with the addition of the new Albion Ale, which will be brewed onsite. The shiny brew kit is also visible from the dining room, so patrons can watch the brewers at work while they sip their fresh-as brews.
Accompanying the drinks is a menu of beer-filled pub grub. Think slow-cooked sticky beef ribs in porter barbecue sauce, bratwurst braised with Paddo Pale Ale and a cider-infused pot of mussels served with crusty bread. Plus classics like beer-battered fish and chips with mushy peas and chicken tenders with chipotle aioli. For dessert, there are chocolate tacos and rhubarb tarts, too.
To round out the brewpub's Surry Hills feels, there'll be regular live gigs, with a weekly roster of local bands and DJs on the weekend. Sydney Brewery is really jonesin' to become your new go-to for brews in the inner east — not an easy task in a suburb already full of good'uns.
Sydney Brewery Surry Hills is now open at 28 Albion Street, Surry Hills. Opening hours are Monday through Wednesday from 11am to 11pm; Thursday through Saturday from 11am to 11.30pm; and Sunday from 4pm to 11pm.