In amongst the high-end eateries and happening bars that crowd James Street’s busiest strip, a new venue has emerged that is offering something for craft-beer seekers, families, and large groups of foodies alike. The spacious newcomer – Freddie’s Taphouse & Kitchen – has been created as a charming and casual dining destination, converting an empty space underneath the Sage Hotel into an inviting locale for those seeking something a bit more down to earth. As a ‘taphouse’, Freddie’s doesn’t fail to impress, boasting a sizeable selection of beer taps pouring some of Australia’s finest brews, from Banyo’s All Inn Brewing Co. to Colonial Brewing Co. from Western Australia. The keg room is immediately visible as you enter the restaurant, with the current list of tap beers proudly displayed to further entice your palate as you make your way to the bar.

The task of creating a menu that paired well with beer and was also flavoursome fell on the shoulders of head chef Julian Meaden (formerly of Spruce Kitchen), who has crafted a well-rounded selection of meals that aren’t carb heavy and use as much locally sourced and nutritious produce as possible. Julian’s menu is tailored to create happiness first and foremost, with crowd pleasers such as crumbed pork cheeks, lightly cured kingfish with avocado mousse, spanner crab linguini, and char-grilled chicken rubbed with berebere spices and fresh lime sitting pretty alongside beef burgers, steaks, meals for the kids and delectable desserts. In addition to the craft beer selection, the bar serves a great range of Australian and New Zealand wine, as well as some incredible cocktails such as the Bee, made from Bacardi, cold-pressed coffee, honey water, macadamia and bee pollen, and the Sesame, which mixes Buffalo Trace bourbon with salted maple and bitters.

For more information on Freddie’s Taphouse & Kitchen, head over to the Stumble Guide.