The Rise of Marrickville’s Microbreweries

Why Marrickville’s craft microbreweries are redefining Sydney’s drinking culture.

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Small, independent craft microbreweries are not only creating great new flavours, but also great new social hangouts throughout Marrickville and beyond.

Although consumption overall has dropped slightly since the 1970s, beer is still one of this country’s favourite beverages. The way we drink it has changed a lot in the last few decades, and that is equally due to and accounts for the proliferation of boutique or craft breweries.

Known generally as microbreweries, these privately owned, custom labelled brewers produce bespoke beers using mostly traditional techniques.

The advantage these little brewers have is that they can experiment more with flavours and methods, therefore producing a huge range of styles and special brews. This means they can appeal to a much wider demographic. 

With competition for shelf space being pretty tough in major retail outlets, many microbreweries sell direct to buyers, and an ever-increasing number are setting up their own bars on premises, teaming up with food trucks and pop-up kitchens. 

The rustic, industrial environment of these venues, as well as the novelty of being surrounded by shiny metal vats and drinking unique brews, has made microbreweries a preferred choice for casual get-togethers, special celebrations, and even family dinner options. 

With the added advantage of not having pokies, betting facilities, and endlessly screened sports, microbrewery venues are rivalling pubs as the place to relax, have a nice meal, and enjoy a delicious cold beer.