Tucked away off the main drag of Oxford street there is a pub that has an interesting history, frequented by the likes of Tilly Devine, Norman Bhuhn, Frank Green and the infamous Razor Gangs of the 1920s. The Tradesman's Arms was a popular meeting place for factory workers, prostitutes, criminals and other unsavory types.With sawdust on the floor it was known as "The Bloodhouse" due to the amount of fights and violence which broke out - not to mention the foul language and cigarette smoke.
Karl: Nowadays the pub is known as The East Village Hotel and still has that local feel, if I lived in the area I would be here all the time! So we thought with a venue with such a reputation we had better ask one of the owners, Dylan Fairweather a few questions.
Ourshout: When did you buy The East Village Hotel and what is your vision for it?
Dylan: We took over on Australia Day in 2010. My brother and I were living just around the corner on Bourke street and were frequenting The East Village as it was the closest pub to our house. It was a bit divey at that stage but we saw a lot of potential in it.
Ourshout: How hard was it to change the atmosphere of the pub and what did you do exactly?
Dylan: As we are a small company without massive budgets, it has been a slow and steady transformation from when we walked in. There is basically something different improved every time you walk through the doors. The clientele has transformed along with the changes around the pub. Other than aesthetics we made major changes to the Wine and Beer selections and have a strong focus on food.
Ourshout: Any changes planned for the future?
Dylan: The biggest change coming up will be the reopening of the rooftop and extension of the ground floor bar. The council approval process has taken longer than expected for this but it should be due to open late this year.
Ourshout: The craft beer movement is starting to grow now worldwide, how were you introduced to it?
Dylan: Liam (head barman) has really been the driving force behind our craft beer selection, we always had a couple of taps that would rotate between different boutique brewers. But it was Liam that pushed to have no beer from the big guys.
Ourshout: What is the best thing about owning a pub?
Dylan: It's one of those things that is every male's dream, especially after growing up around the pubs in the Barossa Valley. To be totally honest it is a ridiculous amount of work turning a pub around and it has certainly taken its toll on finances and personal life but it has been totally worth it to see the turn around of The East Village.
Ourshout: Dylan, thank you for your time.
Dan: The beer selection here is sound with the focus on quality rather than quantity and this is reflected in the tap and bottle options. Interestingly the Boxer Red Ale (Rocks Brewing Co) is on tap and Liam mentioned that this was possibly going to be on handpump over winter. See our review of the Boxer here.
Karl: The East Village has a great set of taps, Liam you have done well! With Young Henrys Lager, Doctor's Orders Brewing Plasma, Coopers Pale Ale, The Boxer and the Two Birds Golden Ale (which we reviewed at King Street Brewhouse) you can't go wrong. Incidentally we can't wait to try their new Sunset Ale which has just been released. Onto the beers.....
Young Henrys Natural Lager
Dan: This is the first beer from the Young Henrys stable I've tried and it is one mean lager. Unlike other lagers this has some real earthy flavours on the palate and an extremely clean aftertaste which beckons more. I know that you have had this one before Karl, what is your opinion?
Karl: Dan, it has been a hard struggle for Richard and Oscar to get this far and oh what a great job they have done... it has been WELL worth the wait. For anyone that doesn't know the story of Young Henrys here is an article worth reading click here. We've been lucky enough to have a few Young Henrys now and this cheeky little number is another great one. This lager has a great strong taste of young hops with a soft fruity aroma. The ABV is 4.2% so this will be a great session beer, and priced at $7 schooner and $9.50 pint.
Doctors Orders Brewing Plasma
Karl: Dan, it looks like Doc has hit another one out of the park, he has seriously done it again! The Plasma is a White IPA and let me say, this beer is unbelievably good. With a strong citrus fragrance and a solid hop aftertaste you can really enjoy this beer all year round. I could drink quite a few of these, but with an ABV of 7.6% this is one serious beer. Dan, were you as impressed as me?
Dan: A potent brew indeed, the Plasma is truly unique. The citrus aftertaste lingers well after the first few sips and it doesn't feel like a strong beer until you've had a couple and then...SLAM! It hits you. A classic Witbier (with extra hops) which really has to be tasted to be believed, the good Doctor has raised the bar yet again, but get in quick with this one as it is a limited release. Schooners are $7.50 and pints are $10 for the more adventurous amongst you. The Doctor also has a great website with information as to where you can buy his beers, check it out here.
Dan: The East Village Hotel is truly a hidden gem in Surry Hills. Dylan has managed to keep it's character and has some top quality beers and food to boot. The tables outside are perfect on a sunny afternoon to sit back, enjoy a decent beer and relax. It is great to see the changes made to The East Village Hotel and we look forward to coming back to see what's on tap sometime soon!
See you at the bar.
The East Village
234 Palmer Street
Darlinghurst
Follow @ourshoutbeer
I plan to nip in there for a bird or two.
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