A Brookvale brewery has expanded its operations by converting a former 1980s wedding venue into a late-night destination featuring a cocktail bar, pool hall, and karaoke rooms.
Background and Context
Bucketty’s Brewing Co, located in Brookvale, has extended its footprint with the launch of two new hospitality spaces. The development involved repurposing a 1980s-era wedding venue once known as Valentine’s. Owners Nick and Lexi McDonald oversaw the transformation, which introduces both a nostalgic cocktail bar and a sports-focused pool hall.
Venue Overview
The updated site operates as a single venue called Chalky’s, which houses Valentine’s — a soft-lit cocktail and wine bar located at the other end of the space. Valentine’s draws inspiration from the original wedding venue, offering classic cocktails and premium wines. Chalky’s includes six 8-foot pool tables, two private karaoke rooms, and large booths suitable for groups.
Food and Drink Offering
Head chef Martin Brito leads the kitchen across both venues. Brito, who trained under renowned chefs including Peter Doyle and David Thompson, offers South American-inspired dishes and elevated pub meals. Menu highlights include a 600g ribeye known as “The Expensive Steak”, slow-cooked lamb shoulder for two, and a Sportsman platter featuring sliders, calamari, and fries.
Chalky’s also features 16 taps dedicated exclusively to beers from independent local breweries such as Bucketty’s, Freshwater Brewing, and Dad and Dave’s Brewing. A whisky selection includes rare and local varieties like 78 Degrees Muscat and a 21-year-old Auchentoshan Scotch.
Entertainment Features
Patrons can hire pool tables for $20 per hour, while uniquely styled karaoke rooms are available for private rental starting at $90 per hour. One karaoke room includes vintage décor resembling a classic lounge room, while the other is covered in rock posters collected by a family member of the venue owners.
Business Strategy and Local Focus
The expansion reflects the brewery’s strategy to circumvent limitations faced by independent producers in entering mainstream pubs and bottle shops. By operating its own venues, Bucketty’s can directly serve its range of products and showcase other local makers. The owners have also secured approval for a second site in Bucketty, near Cessnock, with plans for a brewery, café, and restaurant.
Looking Ahead
Open daily from 3 p.m. on weekdays and from noon on weekends, the Brookvale venue adds to the Northern Beaches’ growing independent hospitality scene. The development preserves the memory of Valentine’s while offering a modern mix of entertainment, dining, and locally made drinks.
Published 8-May-2025
