Sydney Brewery making big strides

 

Many Australian small-batch brewers are doing it tough in a difficult economy but hotel mogul Dr Jerry Schwartz's Sydney Brewery is expanding its operations.

Sydney Brewery has announced the takeover of the Rocks Brewing Company and Restaurant in Alexandria and is developing a new brewery at Lovedale, in the Hunter Valley.

The Schwartz Family Company (SFC) has acquired the Rocks Brewing Company, including its production facilities and restaurant/bar. Rocks Brewing entered voluntary administration in October of last year.

The brewery will be incorporated into Sydney Brewery’s operations, with the brewery and restaurant re-branded as Sydney Brewery Alexandria, complementing Sydney Brewery Surry Hills and the production facility at Lovedale. 

The 20hL Brewhouse in Alexandria will be vital for meeting the massive increase in demand for Sydney Brewery beers and ciders, SFC director Jerry Schwartz says.

In addition, a new 30hL Brewhouse is scheduled to open at Lovedale by Easter, which will function in addition to the existing 18hL Brewhouse.

 
Schwartz said that the acquisition of Rocks Brewing Company was a positive move for the industry.

“Last year was a very difficult year for the craft brewing industry, but Sydney Brewery bucked the trend, and we have been urgently seeking extra capacity to produce our craft beers,” he said. 

“Our Sydney Brewery and restaurant in Surry Hills has been very popular and we believe that we can make Sydney Brewery Alexandria similarly popular with locals and visitors. 

"We will be looking to sell the remainder of the Rocks Brewing stock and then start producing the Sydney Brewery range from the Alexandria site.

“We will more than double our production capacity at Lovedale in the Hunter Valley, and by the time everything is operational, our potential capacity will have increased to over half a million litres of craft beers, ciders and spirits across our various breweries.

“It was perhaps inevitable that the craft brewing industry would consolidate after years of rapid growth. Sydney Brewery has been operating since 2005 and not only has its own outlets, but it also supplies to our network of 15 hotels in NSW, ACT, Queensland and Victoria, and has a strong presence in retail trade.

“We are ramping up production while many craft brewers are struggling to survive, and our takeover of the Rocks Brewery operation will provide an outstanding opportunity to both increase the amount of Sydney Brewery craft beers that we produce and also revive the Alexandria location as a prime brewpub, dining, entertainment and functions venue.

“We will revamp the menu, the drinks selection and the entertainment over the next few months. The Brewpub is currently operating and will officially relaunch with its new branding and menus in mid March."

Sydney Brewery Alexandria is in the Sydney Corporate Park, 160 Bourke Rd, Alexandria, with easy access from Sydney CBD and the Sydney Airport precinct.

The perfect Sydney hotel location if you are on a budget

 

There are dozens of top-notch Sydney hotels with grand rooms and even grander views, where you'll pay handsomely for the privilege of staying a night or two. 

But if you simply want somewhere to sleep then it  can be a waste of money to splash out on ultra-luxe digs that you will only use to rest your head. 

If, like me, you'd rather spend your money on wining and dining, but want to be in a central spot then the economy ibis Barangaroo has three key elements on its side: location, location, location. 

You are within 100 metres of the lively Barangaroo precinct with its wide array of restaurants and bars. Popular King Street wharf is similar distance away in the opposite direction. 

You can catch ferries from Barangaroo Wharf, or walk a couple of blocks to Wynyard Station for trains, to George St to the light rail or Barangaroo for the new Metro line. 

A couple of the compact rooms at ibis Barangaroo even have water views. 

The hotel is owned by hospitality mogul Dr Jerry Schwartz, who also owns hotels including the Sofitel Darling Harbour - so the staff are top-notch. Zane, who checked us in, was charming and full of local knowledge. 

The rooms, as is the case with most ibis properties, are compact but are clean and have everything you'd need for a few nights: a bathroom with plenty of hot water, good fast wifi, blinds to keep the room dark, a comfortable bed, flat-screen TV, small fridge, tea and coffee facilities, hair dryers and effective air con. 

The public areas include a funky lounge (below) with free chilled still and sparkling water, and Lot 51, a café serving breakfasts, then daytime toasties, pizzas, snacks, and hot and cold drinks - including beers from Sydney Brewery, which is also owned by Schwartz.

There are 91 guest rooms in total - and reception is manned 24 hours a day, as you'd expect in an Accor property.

Staff are happy to store your bags pre- or post check-in and the property is surprisingly quiet given its location.

For details see https://all.accor.com/hotel/6412/index.en.shtml. Prices are fluid depending on the season, but it is worth making a note of.

# The writer was hosted by ibis Barangaroo