Sydney’s new purveyor of craft beer

By James Atkinson

A new craft beer venue on Darlinghurst’s famous Oxford Street strip complements the area’s other favourite haunts for beer enthusiasts.

Bitter Phew was opened in late January by career bar manager Aaron Edwards (pictured) and Jay Pollard, who runs a craft beer bar in Denmark.

Oxford Street might be an unlikely location for such a bohemian venture, but Edwards told TheShout he became confident in its prospects after consulting with locals.

“We looked at where The Local Taphouse was, where the Royal Albert was… now there’s a huge push to bring Oxford St back to being the cultural hub of Darlinghurst – that put us at ease of opening up there,” he said.

“Crown Street’s done its bit now and I think people want Oxford Street to pick up where it’s left off.” [continues below]

Bitter Phew has 12 taps of craft beer and cider and Edwards is intent on pouring some beers scarcely seen in Sydney, such as the Mikkeller 1000 IBU and the North Coast Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout, which currently sit alongside local brews from outfits including Endeavour, Holgate, Prickly Moses and Feral.

The bar is currently refining its wine list and building up its range of spirits, with a particular focus on tequila and whisky.

“We’re trying to get as many Australian whiskies in as possible,” Edwards said.

He plans to eventually offer cocktails and a concise menu of bar snacks, once the kitchen is fully operational.

Bitter Phew is located at 1/137 Oxford street, Darlinghurst.