Alexandria is now home to a significant expansion of Sydney Brewery, marking the 20th anniversary of the local brewing company with the launch of their new brewpub in the suburb.
Sydney Brewery, which started life as Schwartz Brewery in 2005, has reached a significant milestone with the opening of its Alexandria site, which is set to boost the company’s beer-making ability. What began in the basement of the Macquarie Hotel with a small 800-litre brewing setup has grown significantly over two decades, leading to this latest development in the Inner South.
Brewery’s Growth and New Location
The brewery gained popularity with beers like Paddington ‘Paddo’ Pale and Surry Hills Pils, adopting the name Sydney Brewery in 2012. Since then, it has established a large production site in Lovedale in the Hunter Valley, along with the Sydney Brewery Surry Hills brewpub and bistro. The acquisition of the Alexandria production site and venue from Rocks Brewing Company earlier this year represents the latest step in their expansion.
This move to Alexandria includes a 20-hectolitre brewhouse. With a new 30-hectolitre brewhouse also planned for their Lovedale site by July, Sydney Brewery anticipates nearly tripling its brewing capacity within the year. The Rocks Brewing restaurant and bar has been rebranded as Sydney Brewery Alexandria, extending the brewery’s physical presence in the community.
Celebrating Two Decades of Brewing
Dr Jerry Schwartz, who established Sydney Brewery, views the opening of the Alexandria venue as a perfect way to celebrate the brewery’s 20th anniversary and a significant moment for the entire brewing industry. He recalled that when Sydney Brewery started, the craft brewing scene was just beginning, and the company has steadily increased its capacity and the variety of beers it offers.
Dr Schwartz stated that their production capacity at Lovedale in the Hunter Valley will more than double, and once everything is up and running, their total potential output across all their breweries will exceed three million litres each year. He also noted that despite recent challenges in the craft brewing industry has continued to grow, and this ongoing investment shows the potential that still exists in the market.
Community Focus and Future
According to Dr Schwartz, their success has been influenced by their popular brewpubs in Surry Hills and Alexandria, as well as their long-term support of events like the Canberra Craft Beer and Cider Festival. He also highlighted their direct access to a network of 15 hotels owned by Schwartz Family Company in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, and Victoria, along with their team’s strong relationships in the retail sector.
Dr Schwartz emphasised that Sydney Brewery’s longevity and success are largely due to the many long-serving staff members who have contributed to the organic growth of the business and its partnerships over the years. He concluded by saying that the newly launched brewery in Alexandria marks a new chapter for the company, and with its updated menu, drinks selection, branding, website, and management, they believe it will be a valuable addition to the hospitality scene in the Inner South.
Sydney Brewery Alexandria is now open to the public at 160 Bourke Road, Alexandria. The original Schwartz Brewery opened in 2005, and it was rebranded to Sydney Brewery in 2012. The Alexandria site was acquired from Rocks Brewing Company earlier this year. The new 30-hectolitre brewhouse at Lovedale is scheduled to open by July of this year.
Published Date 14-May-2025