Social Brew Café, Pyrmont (NSW) by Benny

Taking a lunchtime break from work commitments on a recent trip to Sydney, I set off to explore the area around UTS. With some amazing and innovative architecture in the Ultimo / Chippendale / Pyrmont area – and more developments in progress – it is a fascinating blend of the ultra modern, quirky heritage conversions and, for the visionaries, still an abundance of opportunities for urban renewal (ie the raw materials for those heritage conversions). The combination of high density residential developments, the UTS campus and an eclectic range of businesses brings a wealth of funky foodie options to the area.  

My choice of lunchtime venue was clearly very popular with locals, with the added bonus of an outdoor area next to a teeny tiny patch of green parkland. Given the hot and sticky December weather, a salad was called for, and Social Brew’s pulled pork salad proved to be just the ticket.

My salad also included apple, shaved fennel, radish and quinoa, with a light dressing. The pulled pork was warm, succulent and tender, with no residual fattiness that can sometimes count against it in less perfect renditions. Accompanied by the crunch from the raw ingredients it was a perfect lunch dish for a hot day – and I was assured that it was also my waitress’ favourite.

On such a humid day, it was impossible to ignore the extravagantly named kick-ass lemonade – a long tall glass of fresh home-made lemonade.  The cakes in the display cabinet looked pretty good too, but they would have to wait for another time – I had to scurry back to work.

Verdict

We liked it a lot.

Overall

It ticks all the boxes for a great lunchtime café – location, inviting décor and food. The various menu options served up to the other diners looked great as well, and I would have no hesitation in returning.

Find it at

Social Brew Cafe
224 Harris Street
Pyrmont NSW 2009
Telephone: (02) 9571 8792