Overview
Sydney's Northern Beaches lands a nostalgic pub that harkens back to the good ol' days, with retro furnishings and food that takes you back to your childhood. Freshie Clubhouse blends the familiarity of surf clubs and RSLs from years gone by with modern hospitality, making it enticing to the next generation.
Freshwater Brewing Company's Brookvale Taproom has undergone a complete transformation under the responsible direction of longtime friends (and owners of Folly's Bar & Bistro in Cammeray, Brookvale's craft-brewing district), Lachy Sturrock and Sam Smith. The 250-seat venue flows into multiple spaces, boasting casual dining, bar counters, pool tables, live sports on screen, and a kids' area with chalkboard walls and a basketball hoop.
"This is a true locals pub. It's a place for everybody, whether you're visiting with your kids, your mates or your dog, and it's always going to be a good time," says Sturrock, adding that Freshie Club is a celebration of the Northern Beaches' and the community's distinctive, laid-back way of life.
Not only is the fitout nostalgic, with photos of surfing legends and newspaper clippings adorning the walls, retro carpet and old-school Aussie design features such as glass bricks and louvres, but the food on offer is too.
Bite-sized potato scallops with chicken salt and whipped sour cream are a stand-out, as are lamb cutlets (just like mum used to make) and a burger with the lot — pineapple, bacon and beetroot relish included.
One main has gained particular popularity: the Parmi alla Vodka. Herb-crumbed chicken breast is layered with smoked ham, alla vodka sauce and mozzarella, creating a reimagined version of the classic Aussie parmigiana. "That dish has been huge for us. We wanted to bring something from our first venue over to Freshie, and what better way to do that than to marry it with one of the country's most iconic pub dishes," says Sturrock.
With the Freshwater Brewing Company brewing still located onsite, it's no surprise that there are more than 15 beers available on tap, so you're not going to go thirsty here. Playful cocktails also headline the drinks offering, such as the Goodie Bag, a take on a whisky sour garnished with a red frog.
Drop in for happy hour between 4 and 6pm, from Wednesday through Friday, for $6.50 schooners, $8.50 pints, and $14 cocktails. And warm up during the winter months with a $35 Sunday roast, complete with all the trimmings.
Images: Trent van der Jagt.
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