It seems like it's the Northern Beaches' time to shine. They've always been popular, thanks to those golden stretches of coastline but they're also clocking up a whole host of attractions very much on dry land. The Newport's mega-luxe facelift has people trekking to the northern tip of the city for rosé in the sun, Manly has opened a new multi-million-dollar aquatic centre and Brookvale is home to a new five-star bakery and two brewery bars from 4 Pines and Nomad.
And now there are plans afoot for 4 Pines to open three new venues. The first one is going to be opening under the original 4 Pines venue in Manly and it will be a new dining destination that covers breakfast, lunch and dinner and will be branching out from the classic pub fare they serve upstairs in the beer hall.
Second on the list is the 4 Pines Newport Barrelhouse where they will be ageing beers in ex-wine and whisky barrels to achieve new flavours. The beers are aged between six and 24 months and so far reception has been good for their first brew, the Oaked Baltic Porter. This is set to be the first venue exclusively showcasing barrel-aged beers in the country, so serious craft beer fans are going to be packing out the L90 bus.
Last on the list is the 4 Pines Belrose venture, which will see them opening a beer and bread outlet in the Glen Street Theatre in 2017. They'll be offering house made breads, as well as brunch, lunch and pre and post-theatre dinners, not to mention beers.
Looks like the original Manly craft brewery has a busy year ahead. Perhaps it's time to consider a seachange?