There are few pairings in life that work as perfectly as schooners, melt-in-your-mouth meats, and the glory of no-bullshit rock music. Although that may conjure up images of a balmy summer afternoon BBQ, however, the warmth and familiarity it provides acts as the perfect antidote to Sydney’s increasingly glum winter.

Sydney’s Moore Park is currently beaming with the aromas of finely smoked meats, the warmth of artisanal brews and the sound of some of the best rock acts the country has to offer. Boasting the likes of local favourites The Landsdowne pub, Mary’s and more, boutique breweries and artisanal smokers it’s a festival for those needing a safe haven from the world’s madness.

Peppered with fairy lights, homely wooden barrels and a marquee of roses cheeked smiles from passionate brewers of IPA and Lager, Beer & BBQ is a wholesome and welcoming affair.

FOOD & DRINK

Offering up the best in American style BBQ and smoked meats, Fired Up BBQ saw massive lines early on in the evening. Their varied menu featuring brisket, pork belly, ribs, chicken wings and more hungry punters were lured in by their unique sweet rubs and crispy tater-tot sides.

The brisket, teamed with their maple-drenched hot sauce was a tender and delicious affair sided immaculately with classic slaw. Pork ribs rubbed with the right amount of spice and smoke fell right off the bone, matched with Capital Brewing Co.’s natural lager is a

For those looking to heat up quickly, cop their oh-so-succulent chicken wings ASAP. Swap out the beer for a Coke (just for this one round) – you’re going to need it.

Bovine & Swine spicy sausage sandwich paired perfectly with Young Henry’s Newtowner, whilst their pulled pork sandwich is a classic and BBQ lover would devour. Black Star Pastry gave punters a dessert option with their smoked smores filled with strawberry and caramel might just tide you over into a more hoppy brew.

MUSIC

Mojo Juju opened things up with her classic blues sound, culminated with her epic guitar skills and soothing vocal jewels that reverberated over a heavy bass mix.

Jen Cloher, joined onstage by Courtney Barnett as part of her backing band, gifted an appreciative crowd with her subtle riot grrl meets blues sound. Slowly building riffs, masterclass guitar interplay and Jen tore through tracks off her incredible 2017 self-titled effort, proving she’s one fo the country’s finest songwriters. Warm chord textures, simple riffs and emotive vocals, Jen is a hallmark of modern rock.

Closing things of The Preatures are undeniably one of the best live rock acts Sydney has produced in the last 20 years. Tearing through tracks off their stunning debut Blue Planet Eyes as well as their 2017 effort Girlhood, they harken back to a time characterised by sweaty pubs, VB tins and simplicity. Matched with the ultra-coolness of modern indie, the band showed off their prized musicianship amped by frontwoman Izzi Manfredi’s magnetic stage antics. Bringing in a massive crowd, the band threw in a cover of The Angel’s ‘Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again?’ for good measure, closing things off with their excellent soft-rock burner ‘Yanada’.

Sydney’s Beer & BQQ Festival is this weekend at The Entertainment Quater, Moore Park. 

The article was originally published on Brag Magazine