Launched in 2015, the story of Akasha Brewing Co is one of swift success. Opening the doors to the Five Dock brewery, it has been Founder Dave Padden’s focus on producing a quality product which helped establish the brand so quickly and develop its cult following. 

Akasha’s second venue followed in October 2022. Opening in Leichhardt, The Barrel Room is all about showcasing the very best in premium small batch craft brewing and quality Australian produce.

In December 2022 news broke Akasha had headed north and was taking over the reins of Newcastle’s much-loved venue, The Edwards, in Newcastle West. Whilst it caught many by surprise, Dave explains they’d been scouting for possibilities in the area for some time, and when The Edwards became available Dave reached out to former owner Chris Joannou to take a look.

“We’ve always had a very strong following in Newcastle, and it always felt like a natural next location,” Dave goes on to say.

“Initially I was looking for a ground-up venue, but when I met Chris who walked me through the venue, we hit it off as we share very similar views on life and hospitality. It was all I imagined and better.”

The team are acutely aware of the affection locals have for the Parry Street venue, with Dave saying it is of primary importance they continue to not only preserve its character and heritage, but The Edwards’ existing culture and community relationships.

“We bought it because we love it, not because we want to change it. We love the culture, the team, and everything about it, and are passionate about continuing and enhancing the existing local relationships The Edwards and Akasha have established."

With that said, you can expect a few edits along the way with the team cooking up a bunch of new events, new menu, drink specials and a regular line up of live music giving you plenty of reasons to visit, or revisit, and say hi to the team. 

For regulars the first thing you’ll notice are the tap changes. Dave’s commitment to engaging with the local brewing community is reflected in what beers are flowing. In addition to the Akasha lineup is a rotating mix of local craft breweries - the most recent addition to the taps being Islington’s Method Brewing.

With new recruit Cooper Hague on board, there’s no surprises the menu has had a reboot. Not wanting to completely reinvent the wheel, Chef Cooper has kept classics like the moreish Eddies Cheese Burger on the menu, alongside some exciting new options like the Lamb Ribs and Strip Loin, Taramasalta and Truffle Frites. If you’re dropping in during the day, keep your eye out for the lunch items and seasonal dishes like the Autumn vegetables.

Friday afternoon Super Chill Sessions

The Edwards’ closest neighbour, Rudderless Records, will be spinning vinyls on the front patio each Friday arvo. Whilst you’re chillin’ to the tunes, score drink specials including $5 Akasha Super Chill tinnies, $6 select tap beers and wines, and $12 cocktails.

Live Music

An integral part of The Edwards by Akasha experience will be the reintroduction of live music during the winter months, with Dave saying live music will always be an important part of the venue's overall identity.

And finally, Dave drops a beer bomb, saying in the not-too-distant future, Akasha plans to build a brewery facility on site, capable of locally producing 100,000 litres annually of its hop-forward beers, many of which will be exclusive to the Newcastle venue. 

Stay tuned for more Akasha news coming your way soon.