By Craig Lush
As craft beer lovers in the inner west, we’re spoiled for choice with world-class independent breweries right on our doorstep. But a great beer journey isn’t just about visiting the taprooms where the magic is brewed—it’s also about local venues that curate a decent line-up alongside a great feed.
Dropping into The Cheeky Pint on Barkly Street in Footscray over consecutive Wednesdays was a timely reminder of just how great local pubs can be for sampling excellent craft beer close to home. From the moment we walked in, we felt welcome—from the cozy corner packed with comfortable couches to the variety of table options for enjoying their pub classics.
From house taps to curated classics
Regulars to Barkly Street might recall that The Cheeky Pint originally launched as a brewpub, serving beers from the house taps right behind the bar. Under new ownership, however, the venue has quietly shifted its focus away from house brewing. While you won’t find house-made, small-batch brews on tap anymore, the copper-accented pub hasn’t abandoned its craft credentials.
Instead of brewing their own, they’ve transitioned into a neighborhood pub that supports local independent craft heavyweights. On my most recent visit, the craft selection on tap was headlined by local favorites like Hop Nation’s Pale Ale and their standout ’Chop’ IPA, alongside Mountain Culture’s APL (Australian Pale Lager). While the remaining taps lean towards larger commercial offerings, having top-tier brews from Footscray’s own Hop Nation and Blue Mountains craft icons on tap ensures there’s always a quality pint waiting for craft enthusiasts.
Elevated pub fare to match the pour
A good craft line-up is only half the equation, and where The Cheeky Pint really shines is pairing those beers with top-notch pub classics.
On my first visit, I tried the Mexican parma, and it was easily one of the best parmas I’ve had in recent memory—generous, perfectly cooked, and packed with flavour that matched exceptionally well with the punchy hops of Hop Nation’s Chop IPA. Returning the following week, the Mexican parma was so good I couldn’t resist ordering it a second time, and it delivered on every front once again.
My wife opted for the Wednesday Steak Special, which was cooked to absolute perfection—melt-in-your-mouth tender. A nice glass of red wine was the perfect accompaniment. She opted to upgrade to mash and greens for a small extra charge; while the mash was solid, four stalks of broccolini felt a little light on the veg side, but the quality of the steak itself more than made up for it.
The verdict
The inner west’s craft beer scene is dynamic, and venues often have to adapt. While it’s always a shame to see a local house-brewing setup change course, The Cheeky Pint remains a vibrant, welcoming local hub. Whether you’re dropping in for a mid-week steak special, catching up for a weekend pint, or pairing a sharp local IPA with a brilliant parma, it’s a Footscray fixture well worth a visit.
