Freshie Clubhouse

The Verdict:

Freshie Clubhouse Just Opened and It's Bringing Serious Beachside Nostalgia to the Northern Beaches

Red frog-topped cocktails, potato scallops, retro carpet and the kind of laid-back energy only a proper Aussie surf club can deliver—welcome to Freshie Clubhouse, the newest local watering hole to land in Brookvale.

Freshwater Brewing Company's Brookvale Taproom has had a serious glow-up, transforming into a 250-seat locals pub that mashes up the charm of old-school surf clubs and RSLs with a very modern hospitality sensibility. Behind the original industrial-style facade, you'll find Tassie Oak panelled walls lined with photos of local surfing legends, retro carpet, booth seating, glass bricks and louvres, plus a family-friendly zone with chalkboard walls, astro turf and a basketball hoop.

The venue is the brainchild of Lachy Sturrock and Sam Smith, the mates behind Folly's Bar & Bistro in Cammeray, who bought into the award-winning craft beer business earlier this year. "This is a true locals pub," Sturrock says. "It's a place for everybody, whether you're visiting with your kids, your mates or your dog, and it's always going to be a good time."

On the menu, it's peak nostalgic comfort with a contemporary edge: crispy potato scallops with chicken salt and whipped sour cream, hot chips with native salt, an iceberg wedge with ranch, bacon and parmesan, crumbed lamb cutlets, a fully-loaded burger, and a crumbed barramundi burger. The standout is the Parmi alla Vodka—herb-crumbed chicken, smoked ham, alla vodka sauce and mozzarella—a riff on Folly's much-loved pasta dish.

The brewery is still operating onsite with 15-plus beers on tap from a custom-made Oregon wood bar, alongside a newly expanded wine and cocktail list. Don't miss the Goodie Bag, a fruity whiskey sour garnished with a red frog lolly, with about half the cocktails using Freshwater Brewing beers or hops.

There's happy hour from opening ($6.50 schooners, $8.50 pints, $14 cocktails, 4-6pm Wednesday to Friday) and a $35 Sunday roast from this weekend.

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