By Clyde Mooney
A collection of some of Sydney’s most celebrated pubs has joined industry heavyweights to toast the inaugural Paddington Pubs Festival.
Beginning with appearances by Waratahs legends and the Bondi Hipsters on Valentine’s Day, last Friday saw a series of long lunches hosted by the nine participating venues.
The weekend played out a number of events, most notably an artisanal afternoon with Matilda Bay Brewing Co brewer Chloe Lovatt teaming up with chef Colin Fassnidge of the Four in Hand and Paddington Arms for a gastronomical food and beer matching session.
Colin Fassnidge and Chloe Lovatt
Matilda Bay’s Jamie Fox told TheShout the event was "a bit of a no-brainer for us".
"Chloe and Colin talked through the dishes and beer matches, and our guests absolutely loved it. Many were taken by the dessert – an Apple Tarte Tatin, topped with a Dirty Granny sorbet.
"At Matilda Bay we are passionate about re-interpreting and experimenting with the great beer styles, and we reckon our brews are interesting and awesome partners for a heap of Colin’s dishes, both sweet and savoury."
MasterChef finalists Chris Badenoch and Aaron Harvie rounded off the festival on Sunday, with a specially crafted ‘Paddington Pub Menu’ available in all the pubs involved.
"The pub is at the heart of Australian culture and this initiative is all about celebrating that culture, bringing people together, connecting over food and drink, great conversation, music and sport," said Sally Tremlett, spokesperson for the Paddington Pub Precinct.