Keg & Brew, Surry Hills

In another reinvigoration of Sydney pubs, the the KB Hotel has relaunched as Keg & Brew with a Southern American flavour bringing bourbon, beer, bites and beards to Surry Hills.

Keg & Brew, Surry Hills 

The fitout has retained some original heritage features such as wall tiles and the central bar invites relaxed drinking with good bar chat.

Co-Owner Wombat and Some of the Craft Beer on Tap

The drinks have a focus on Australian craft beers and cider as well as retaining classics such as Reschs, VB and Carlton on a rotating selection of 30 taps. You’ll find three traditional hand-pumped craft beers and a vast range of bourbon with over 30 different varieties.

Bourbon and Beer Tasting

From Angstrom Brewery based at Sydney University, Voltaic Pale Ale launched on the night, a summery and sessionable pale ale made of 50% wheat beer with a creamy palate and good balance of hops and malt. The word Angstrom refers to the width of an atom, an apt name for a beer brewed by physicists.

Gold Rush Cocktail

Cocktails include the Golden Rush, made with Wild Turkey Spiced Bourbon, honey syrup and lemon juice.

The food menu by head chef Devendra Sherchan, (ex sous chef at the Dove & Olive) brings a Southern USA twist to traditional pub food ranging from Fixin’s (snacks) to more substantial selections from Grub and Grill. But be warned, leave your calorie counting at home as most of these bar bites are deep-fried and served with a dipping sauce.

Big Tex Bacon Bites

Start with Big Tex Bacon Bites ($10) of crumbed and fried crispy bacon pieces with KB’s own ketchup.

Deep Fried Oysters and Fresh Lemon

Oysters come in three ways including Deep Fried Oysters and Fresh Lemon ($15 for 6).

Crabby Balls

The Crabby Balls ($13 for 6) are tasty bites of fried mac and cheese balls with chilli crab and sriracha mayo,

Sweet Potato Wedges

while the Sweet Potato Wedges ($10) with sweet chilli sauce and sour cream are difficult to resist.

KBFC

Moving onto the more substantial serves, the KBFC ($19) brings a half Southern style buttermilk fried chicken, lightly spiced with hot may and coleslaw.

Young Henry’s Lager Battered Flathead

Young Henry’s Lager Battered Flathead ($15) is made with Young Henry’s Lager batter and served with a spicy tartare sauce.

Vegan Maple Glazed Polenta Cake

For a vegan option, the Vegan Maple Glazed Polenta Cake ($15) featured chargrilled seasonal vegetables and a balsamic glaze.

Philly Cheese Steak

The signature Philly Cheese Steak ($14) is served on a slider and has thinly-sliced pieces of sirloin steak with provolone cheese and onions.

Chipotle Pork Ribs

The Chipotle Pork Ribs ($19) hit the smoky, sweet spot with their finger-licking chimichurri sauce.

If fried food isn’t for you, other options come from the grill such as Kentucky Bourbon Black Angus Rump and Red Wine Butter Eye Fillet with sides of mash and beans.

Deep Fried Twinkie

For dessert, try saying no to the Deep Fried Twinkie ($10). For the uninitiated, a Twinkie is a roll of sugar-laden sponge cake with a creamy centre. The USA import is crumbed, deep-fried, and drizzled with chocolate fondue and sprinkles. Served on a stick, it’s soft, sweet and gooey and satisfies your inner child.

It’s old meets new at the revamped Keg & Brew in Surry Hills. While the new features and menu with the craft beer offerings are set to lure a new crowd, existing patrons are not overlooked. The friendly pub invites casual drinking and bar bites in relaxed surrounds. The vibe is welcoming and the staff are adept at making you feel like a regular on your first visit.

Keg & Brew is featured on our guide to Sydney’s Best Bourbon Bars.

Photography © by Gourmantic – Copyright: All rights reserved.

Keg & Brew
26 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills
www.kegandbrew.com.au