Earlier this month, the classic KB Hotel on Foveaux Street in Surry Hills – which had become run down to say the least, Sydney institution or not – re-opened as the “Keg & Brew”. Though heritage pieces of the pub remain, the warm, homely feel has certainly re-energised the venue, with cowhide, brown leather and taxidermy filling out the space. But it’s the selection of 33 craft beers on tap – alongside a new menu inspired by Southern US cuisine – that really gets us excited.
And then there’s the bourbon list, which helps round out the three Bs – Beers, Bourbon and Bites – that give the Keg & Brew its new identity. Over 30 bourbons will be available on the rocks, neat or in cocktail form. Earlier in the month, we got a taste of our own of the new drinks menu and it’s without question the most impressive tap list we’ve come across in Australia. And it’s not just size (we don’t believe there’s a bigger list anywhere in this country…), but quality too. There is a beer to suit all tastebuds here and plenty of hidden gems I look forward to trying. And judging by the cocktail we were served on the night, they know a thing or two about Bourbon, too…
And now let’s get onto the bites… let’s just say that when it comes to fried food, Keg & Brew have made sure all the bases are covered. We started things off with the Fried Oysters (pictured above), some killer hand cut sweet potato fries and crab mac and cheese balls with an emphasis on the crab (pictured below). And of course no meny of fried goodness would be complete without some fried chicken, done buttermilk style here. Though I might also recommend they get themselves a selection of hot sauces to accompany it. You can’t have fried chicken without hot sauce!
But it’s not all fried. Of course there are ribs, and the Philly Cheese Steak looking set to be a hit of the menu. There are vegetarian options, too, but the emphasis is definitely on the fried goodness.
And few come packed with more goodness (with a healthy portion of whatever the opposite of goodness is, too) than a deep fried twinkie. Yep, they’ve got that too and if you’re a fan of the twinkie, it’s worth the trip alone. It would bring a tear to Woody Harrelson’s eye.
Come for the beer and the bourbon… stay for the bites. That sounds about right?
Address: 26 Foveaux St, Surry Hills, New South Wales, Australia 2122
Phone: (02) 9212 1740
Website: http://www.kegandbrew.com.au
