Modus Brewing

Modus Brewing at 14 Harkeith Street is the Northern Beaches' independent craft brewery, a big industrial taproom with twenty-plus rotating taps, a proper kitchen and one of the more genuine dog policies going around: dogs are welcome inside the taproom as well as the outdoor seating, and there is usually a resident Labrador on hand to make the point. It trades Wednesday to Sunday from noon.

The dog setup

Unlike most pubs that restrict dogs to the beer garden, Modus lets leashed dogs stay with you inside among the tanks, which makes it a rain-proof option. Staff are known to make a fuss of well-behaved pups, treats included. The room gets busy and loud on weekend evenings with live music, so keep your dog close and pick an afternoon session if crowds are not their thing.

Worth knowing

The beer is the draw: an award-winning core range led by its IPAs alongside rotating seasonal taps, plus cocktails and wine for the non-beer drinkers. The kitchen covers burgers, share plates, chicken wings and fish tacos, and the venue regularly runs live music and family-friendly afternoons. Hours run 12pm to 10pm Wednesday and Thursday, to 11:30pm Friday and Saturday, and to 9pm Sunday.

Getting there and parking

Harkeith Street sits in the Mona Vale industrial pocket, a few minutes off Pittwater Road. Parking is street-only on Harkeith Street and the surrounding residential streets, so allow a short walk if you arrive at a busy time.

Close by with the dogs

The classic Northern Beaches pairing is an off-lead session first: Rowland Reserve at Bayview is a few minutes north, with a large grass reserve and a calm water beach where dogs can swim, 24/7 off-lead. For coffee the next morning, The Brightside Cafe is a local dog-friendly stop in the same suburb.

More options are on the New South Wales dog friendly restaurants guide and the Mona Vale destination page.

Max: swim off the lead at Rowland Reserve first, then claim an inside table while my coat dries. The staff here know their audience.