Warriewood’s Surfboat Brewery has earned national recognition after securing three medals at the 2025 Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show, marking its first appearance at the prestigious event.
Strong Debut for Local Brewery
The independent Surfboat Brewery, located at Unit 23, 43 Jubilee Avenue Warriewood, achieved success across all three entries submitted. Its Sweeps Stout received a gold medal, while Hard to Porter – American Porter and Hazy Hef – Hefeweizen each earned bronze.
The competition results were confirmed on 16 September 2025 following judging earlier that month. Owners Kim Hall and Terri Revell described the achievement as a proud milestone in their first competition season.
Origins and Community Focus
Surfboat Brewery opened in May 2024 after Hall and Revell, members of the Northern Beaches Jive social dancing group, sought a new venue for community gatherings following the closure of Narrabeen RSL in 2022. They transformed an industrial unit in Warriewood into a community-driven space that blends a working brewery with live entertainment.
The venue includes a 12-tap bar pouring house-brewed beers, food offerings, and regular themed events such as Tango Tuesdays, Trivia Thursdays, Karaoke Fridays and weekend music sessions.
The brewery’s sea-inspired design pays homage to Hall’s background as a volunteer surf lifesaver, with a surfboat display and coastal-themed murals throughout the site.
Families, local workers and beer enthusiasts are drawn to the venue, which features a pool table, children’s activities and water bowls for dogs, reinforcing its community focus.
Australia’s Premier Beer Competition
The Sydney Royal Beer & Cider Show, run by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, is recognised as one of the country’s leading competitions for brewers and cider makers. In 2025, it recorded nearly 10 per cent more entries than the previous year, with 224 beers and ciders judged.
Eighty gold, sixty-nine silver and thirty-six bronze medals were awarded, reflecting the continued growth and diversity of Australian craft brewing.
Among the major winners were Sunday Road Brewing from Kirrawee, whose Après Ski Bavarian Hefe Wheat Beer was named Best Beer or Cider of Show, Reckless Brewing Co and Coastal Brewing Company.
The event also marked the final year of service for long-time Chair of Judges Ian Kingham.
Ongoing Events in Warriewood
Surfboat Brewery continues to strengthen its presence in Warriewood through community events and seasonal programs, including its upcoming 2025 Oktoberfest.
Visitors can sample the award-winning beers through tasting paddles or drop in for coffee, trivia nights or dance sessions throughout the week.
The brewery’s consistent recognition and growing local support highlight its role in Warriewood’s social and small-business community.
Published 1-Oct-2025
