Paulie, from Bondi Brewing Co
“Bondi’s not just a place — it’s a feeling“
It’s the biggest selling Australian-owned beer in the US. And it started here. In a garage in Bondi.
We’re chatting with Paulie, from Bondi Brewing Co.
If you’ve ever come across an infectiously enthusiastic, keg-wheeling legend around the streets of Bondi, chances are, you’ve come across Paulie. He’s one of those people with an unmistakeable energy.
In this Local Legends chat, Paulie lets us in on how Bondi Brewing Co came to be, its expansion into the US, and his love of the local community.
Paul, you’ve created a Bondi institution with Bondi Brewing Co. But let’s rewind. Back in the 2010s, you sold your wife’s car to convert your garage into a little nanobrewery, to be enjoyed by mates and neighbours. Was it always part of your vision to turn this hobby into a business? How did that evolution happen?
Honestly, no. No thought or grand master plan to build a beer brand. It started pretty innocently. We were running little home brew competitions on our rooftop in Bondi with mates. The idea wasn’t to start a business; it was just to make better beer and share it with friends and neighbours.
But then people kept asking for more. Then local bars wanted it on tap. Then bottle shops started calling. We set up the business and got to work. So it definitely wasn’t planned — it grew organically. One yes led to another, and before I knew it, the rooftop home brew comp in 2018 had turned into an international beer company.
We absolutely love your energy and passion – and anyone that’s had a chat with you, or caught your videos wheeling kegs into the local bars would say the same. What do you love most about what you do?
What I love most is the community around it. Beer is obviously the product; but really it’s about people. We bend over backwards for our customers because we genuinely want them pouring the best possible beer every time — fresh, consistent, and something they’re proud to serve.
And seeing our taps lined up across Bondi now — venues I used to drink at, now pouring our beer — that’s a pretty proud feeling. It’s a reminder of how far it’s come.
“The idea wasn’t to start a business; it was just to make better beer and share it with friends“
Your biz was founded on mateship, and the work you’ve done in supporting the local community (with initiatives like Project GoodTanks) is absolutely epic. Tell us, what do you love about being part of the local Bondi Beach community?
Bondi’s not just a place — it’s a feeling. It’s early swims, north bondi foamys, familiar faces on the prom, local businesses backing each other, and that real sense of community you don’t find everywhere. From day one, Bondi Brewing Co. was built by locals supporting locals.
Bondi Brewing Co is now pouring in the US, bringing the energy of Australia and Bondi to the Yanks. We even spied cans of BONDI getting handed out to everyone at Old Mates in NYC on New Year’s Eve. How does it feel to have created a business that’s now expanded to America?
How bloody good! This all started in a garage, brewing beer for mates. So seeing Bondi Beer being poured in New York (and across the US) blows my mind. Today, with the help of our amazing team here and our crew on the ground in the USA, Bondi has grown into the biggest selling Australian-owned beer in the US.
“Venues I used to drink at, now pouring our beer — that’s a pretty proud feeling”
It’s a Friday arvo and you’re washing down a cold Salties Bondi x Bondi Brewing Co lager with any Bondi local (past or present). Who are you drinking with?
The Ben Buckler crew, Salties swimmers, Deano/Conner, even Fridgy if he’s around. And pretty much anyone that’ll put up with me and make sure I get home safe.
Ready to crack a cold one yourself?
Join the growing Bondi Brewing Co fan base
