Felons Brewing Co is opening its first Sydney venue on October 18 at the old Manly Wharf Bar, big news for the Queensland based brewery. This comes after Mountain Culture announced they will be reviving the old Atomic Brewing Co site in Redfern.
Despite all this expansion, the Australian craft beer industry is still under pressure. Over the last year over 20 Australian craft breweries have gone into liquidation or voluntary administration. Good Drinks Australia closed their Atomic brewpub in Redfern at the start of September citing tough trading conditions and high rent that made the business unviable.
Felons enter NSW after Artemus Group acquired Manly Wharf and Wharf Bar in April for $110 million. “We’re stoked to unveil Felons new home at Manly Wharf” said Adam Flaskas, co-founder and director of Artemus Group. “Our vision for Manly Wharf has always been to create a vibrant, community focused destination that brings together food and entertainment and elevates hospitality.”
Felons Brand Director, Dean Romeo added, “Manly couldn’t be a better fit for Felons. The lifestyle in the Northern Beaches is up there with the best in the world and we get to share that.”
The previous owner of the site, Ben May, sold after being offered a deal he couldn’t refuse. “The guys from Howard Smith Wharves made me an offer I couldn’t refuse” May told PubTIC. “The timing is right, a couple of big things are about to happen”.
While the industry is in turmoil some breweries are finding a way to succeed. Vincent de Soyres, director and head brewer at Frenchies Bistro & Bar says being hands on is key. “Being 100% involved keeps us in touch with the market” he said. Ian Atkins, founder of Beerfarm says understanding every aspect of the alcohol manufacturing process from production to distribution to hospitality.
In response to the industry’s woes the Independent Brewers Association has launched an Economic Data Needs Analysis survey to support their advocacy. “The more data we have the more powerful our argument will be” said CEO Kylie Lethbridge. “We’re hopeful because we’ve never had so much attention on our advocacy”.
Survey closes 8th October.
