In case you hadn’t heard, Freshwater Brewing Company’s restaurant in Brookvale has had a makeover.
Locals are pouring into the regenerated Freshie Clubhouse, which has been cleverly designed to evoke memories of yesteryear – while providing a place for everyone to enjoy lunch or dinner.
Longtime business partners Lachy Sturrock (a Beaches local) and Sam Smith have already worked their magic on Folly’s Bar and Bistro in Cammeray, and now have bought into the craft beer business.
Freshie Clubhouse is a very welcoming place, especially for families – the whole back corner is a play space dedicated to children, with soccer goals and chalk boards on the walls.
Equally fun for adults are the classic vinyl booths, topped with glass bricks, making it look and feel a bit like a diner. Even the staff wear 1970s-type shirts and caps, and the cool Oregan wood-curved bar completes the look.
Lachy and Sam are there the Saturday I visit, with my teenage son starving after his rugby match. The owners are at home behind the bar pouring drinks, taking orders or serving meals. They are as laid back as the atmosphere, with the DJ playing some good vibes to settle into the afternoon session.
Lachy tells me the menu has been pared back to a more simple selection, reflecting some RSL blasts from the past. “The crumbed lamb cutlets are what I used to eat as a kid at our local RSL,” he says. The accompanying mash was deliciously smooth, with the lamb cooked just right.
The Parmi Alla Vodka, made with herb-crumbed chicken breast, smoked ham, vodka sauce and mozzarella, was inspired by Folly’s much-loved pasta.
“That dish has been huge for us,” he says. “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.”
Potato scallops and burgers – try one with The Lot, including pineapple – are also popular offerings. And while there is only one dessert, it’s the best: sticky date pudding, made with a perfectly balanced caramel sauce which is not too sweet, and topped with deliciously smooth vanilla bean gelato.
While we dine there, many families arrive pushing prams into the giant warehouse space, and it is easy to navigate to a table. Parents can actually relax and still watch their children who have room to run around safely.
A pool table and DJ give it an edgier feel for the younger crowd, with outdoor seating a great option coming into summer.
It’s ‘packed’ before and after Manly Sea Eagle games, being so close to Brookie Oval. Given it is a working brewery, there are 15 Freshwater Brewing Company beers to chose from, and Lachy and Sam have expanded their alcohol offerings. There are some delicious wines (I recommend the sav blanc) and fun cocktails with beer. Look for the one with the red frog from our childhoods!
Trivia has started on Thursdays at 7pm and if your dad/husband loves steak, consider the 1.4kg Tomahawk special for Father’s Day on 6 September. There is definitely something for everyone at the Freshie Clubhouse.
FRESHIE CLUBHOUSE
4 Powells Road, Brookvale
Phone 8530 0454
Instagram @freshieclubhouse