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The Coolest Breweries & Distilleries in Sydney’s Inner West!

Unveiling the best of Sydney’s Inner West breweries and gin distilleries. Marrickville & Newtown’s eclectic beer and gin scene. 

Strap in for the best kind of (sophisticated) beer crawl through the spirited haven of Marrickville’s & Newtown’s breweries in Sydney’s Inner West. The suburbs of Marrickville and Newtown are the ultimate hotspot for craft beer lovers and gin aficionados alike.

Join me as we dive into the best breweries and gin distilleries in town, where every sip tells a tale and every taste promises a new experience.

Grifter Brewing Co.:

First up on our boozy escapade is Grifter Brewing Co., a local gem known for its chill vibes and mind-blowing brews. As you step into their taproom, the air fills with that familiar blend of malt and hops, setting the mood for an unforgettable time as you and your mates try all the craft beers they have to offer. Grifter Brewing Co. is known for an exciting lineup of beers, from classic styles to mind-bending experiments. Whether you’re into their flagship pale ales and IPAs or craving a sip of their barrel-aged stouts, these guys know how to craft a beer that’ll make a mark. 

P.S. To make this beer crawl last longer, make sure to save some space for their epic woodfire pizza. Their menu is ever changing, but if you can get there in the next few months – the Rick & Morty pizza is a big fat YES! 

Batch Brewing Co.:

Up next and around the corner is Batch Brewing Co.! The place where creativity and genius innovation collide. Their Marrickville brewery is their first venture, and upon revered success, the Petersham brewery and tap room opened! These guys aren’t afraid to push the boundaries and mix things up with unique ingredients and crazy flavours.

Every sip at Batch Brewing Co. is like embarking on a wild flavour adventure, whether you’re getting your mind blown by their award-winning Double IPA or savouring the fruity explosion of their sour beers. As a staple to the local community, keep an eye out for their collaborations with local artisans, because those limited-edition brews get snapped up quickly.

Sauce Brewing Co. (Marrickville):

Our next destination takes us to the heart of Marrickville, where Sauce Brewing Co. awaits with its vast choice of classic and unique brews. This hidden gem is known for its dedication to quality and its passion for great beer. As you step into their modern industrial warehouse style taproom, the inviting atmosphere and stretching beer garden is the perfect location for any bright, Sydney day!

Sauce Brewing Co. boasts a diverse range of styles, from refreshing lagers to bold and hoppy IPAs, ensuring there’s something for every palate. However, I warn you, the 11% Imperial stout, tastes like a glass of Marmite Beer. Could be your thing, but it certainly felt like a delayed punch to the throat to me! 

Again for sensible drinking or day-prolonging skills – their Sauce food truck (which rotates between local vendors) is a great way to soak up some of the effects you may be feeling by now. 

Willie the Boatman:

Now, let’s set sail to Willie the Boatman, a wicked spot named after a local legend who once ferried folks across the Cooks River. By this stage, if you are made up of the same bloating disposition as I, you may be all beer’d out by now. Not to worry, this microbrewery is a hidden gem that not only pays homage to the area’s history but also crafts some seriously awesome gin.

On an aesthetic side note, my second love, after travelling is interior design. This venue is amazing, a collector’s dream of boatshed, small-town coastal and nautical-themed décor – grab a glass, and sip on their refined gin or chilled wines whilst feeling the alcohol buzz in the laid-back atmosphere. It’s a whole vibe, my friends.

Young Henrys (Newtown):

No exploration of the Inner West would be complete without a visit to Young Henrys in Newtown. This iconic brewery has become a local institution, beloved for its innovative brews and community spirit. Step into the vibrant atmosphere, with slight rock and roll vibes as you sample their eclectic lineup of beers. From their renowned Newtowner Australian Pale Ale to their bold experimental releases, Young Henrys epitomizes the spirit of Newtown and the Inner West. 

If you want an insider tip, the 1st weekend of April is around their birthday – if you are lucky, you can crash their yearly birthday party and grab a piece of their stacked sausage roll *cake* (it’s an actual pyramid of homemade sausage rolls) with ketchup or bbq sauce! 

Poor Toms Gin Distillery

Poor Tom’s Gin Distillery:

Last but definitely not least, we can’t forget Poor Tom’s Gin Distillery, where gin magic happens. Head into the beautiful, bright warehouse, the ideal time to go is around 3 pm – the sun starts to set over the Marrickville industrial estate and makes for glorious photos through the New York style industrial windows. These guys know their stuff when it comes to distilling top-quality gin and keeping hanging plants alive. 

Their attention to detail and use of the finest botanicals result in gins that’ll blow your mind. From their signature Sydney Dry Gin with its refreshing citrus kick to their ever-changing seasonal releases, each bottle is a testament to the artistry of gin-making. Plus, their fun, church confessional-style toilets add an extra unique touch. 


Marrickville & Newtown are havens for all of us beer and gin enthusiasts out there. So, grab your drinking buddies and have the best time making your way through the coolest breweries & distilleries in Sydney’s Inner West!

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