Dr Jerry Schwartz has celebrated the continued health of his Sydney Brewery operation, opening a new venue in Alexandria as the craft brewer marks its 20th anniversary.
The early twenty-teens produced a frenetic, patron-shuffling public interest in craft beer. As the market matured the plethora of boutique breweries that bubbled into existence, particularly in the capital cities, were met with dwindling long-term devotees.
In recent years, particularly as the cost-of-living burden grinds on, many of these craft breweries – often born of artisan producers wielding lofty aspirations – have struggled to stay afloat. The battle for market share has largely waged around brand recognition and consumer engagement, rather than mere product quality.
Even established craft brands have seen the struggle, such as Rocks Brewing having to close its Alexandria venue in early 2025.
Sydney Brewery was established at the forefront of Australia’s burgeoning craft brewing wave and has built on both its capacity and range ever since, backed by a strong brand identity.
The Sydney-centric producers embraced product names honouring the city, releasing the Surry Hills Pils, Potts Point Porter, Paddington ‘Paddo’ Pale, and Darlinghurst ‘Darlo’ Dark.
The Doctor has also championed the brand through ongoing support of complementary events, seeing the Sydney Brewery name emblazoned for years at the Canberra Craft Beer & Cider Festival.
There have also been the brewery outlets, in Sydney, and in the Hunter Valley, at Lovedale Bar & Grill.
At the opening party Schwartz noted how the past few years have been “very unkind” to the craft brewing sector, and those that did find their groove were often snapped up by the big brewers, seeing them “los[e] their craft identity”.
Conversely, Sydney Brewery is investing in more capacity, and the hotelier-brewer suggests there is still potential for craft brands that create the right products for the ever-changing market.
“Having popular public facing brewpubs such as our Surry Hills and Alexandria venues has really helped,” added Schwartz.
The latest venue, in Sydney Corporate Park at 160 Bourke Rd Alexandria, replaces the defunct Rocks operation.
Schwartz says the new premise represents a new chapter and marks an important milestone for the business – much of the success of which he attributes to his specialty staff, with many having worked for the Brewery since its early days.
