Chat On Tap

David A. Lennon
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  • SOCIETY & CULTURE

Chat on Tap is a podcast about pubs and the people in them. Each week, host David A. Lennon and a rotating cast of your new best mates pull up a stool as they chat with legends, locals and tap in on what to drink and where to drink it. Chat on Tap is both a love letter to Aussie pubs and beer, and a guidebook to where to go next.

  1. 1D AGO

    EP 21 - Beers With Bev

    Beers, Brotherhood & Building Community with Bevan Giffin In this episode of Chat on Tap, host David A. Lennon sits down with beer reviewer and community builder Bevan Giffin at the Pyrmont Point Hotel for a deep dive into craft beer, content creation, and the power of connection. From tasting notes to mental health, this episode explores how a shared love of beer can turn into something much bigger — a genuine support network.  How Bevan became “the beer guy” — from travel to tasting panels  Why local breweries are the best way to understand a place  The power of consistency: 365 days of beer content  Inside the craft beer community — why it’s different (and better) than most industries  The rise of “Frothy Moco” — blending beer culture with mental health support  Why pubs still matter as a space for real conversations.Who owns your 'Australian' beer? Article referenced: https://craftypint.com/who-owns-your-beer Why buying Indie matters. 🍺 Beers & Venues  BentSpoke Crankshaft IPA (what we were sipping)  Seeker Brewing X Garage Project (best collab for Bev)  Pyrmont Point Hotel  (where we sat)Check out Bevans work on instagram @bevan_giffin Episode produced by: WHEN Studios Follow: @WHEN.Studios, Insta: @chatontap Tiktok: @chat.on.tap YouTube: @ontapchat Got a Story?  Wanna help us Tap In to a great venue, deal, beer? Interested in sponsorship?  email us! Email: hello@chatontap.com Host: David A. Lennon – @davidalennon Website: chatontap.com

    41 min

  2. MAR 25

    Ep 20 - 15 year Idea, 3 Days to Build: The Sunny Beer App Story

    What if you could find the perfect sunny spot for a beer anywhere in the world? This week on Chat on Tap, David sits down with Richard Hatcher - the creator of Sunny, a web app designed to help you track down pubs with beer gardens, outdoor seating, and even plan your next pub crawl. From a throwaway idea in London to building a working app using ChatGPT (with zero dev background), this is a story about creativity, curiosity, and just giving something a crack. You can check the web app here - https://sunnypubs.app/  Recorded over a couple of cold ones at the Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre in Marrickville.  15 Years -> 3 days Richard first had the idea for Sunny while living in London and chasing rare moments of sunshine and a cold beer. It stuck in the back of his mind for over a decade before he finally acted on it. Building an App Without Being a Developer With no coding background, Richard used ChatGPT to bring the idea to life, learning how to prompt properly, iterate, and think like a builder. From Concept to Reality While spread out over time, the actual build only took around 3 days of focused work, showing how accessible building something has become. What Sunny Actually Does A global map-based app that helps you find pubs with outdoor seating, beer gardens, and even auto-generates pub crawls based on your location. Creative Projects vs Business Pressure Richard shares why he’s intentionally kept Sunny as a passion project (for now), focusing on building something he personally enjoys rather than rushing monetisation. Tapped In (Recommendations):  Queens Wharf Hotel (Newcastle) — waterfront pub with unbeatable views  MONA (Hobart) — outdoor lawn beers overlooking the river  Bowling clubs transforming greens into beer gardens — a win for communities Beers:  American Amber Ale (Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre)  Patio Pale (Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre)  Episode produced by: WHEN Studios Follow: @WHEN.Studios, Insta: @chatontap Tiktok: @chat.on.tap YouTube: @ontapchat Got a Story?  Wanna help us Tap In to a great venue, deal, beer? Interested in sponsorship?  email us! Email: hello@chatontap.com Host: David A. Lennon – @davidalennon Website: chatontap.com

    26 min

  3. MAR 24 ·  BONUS

    BONUS POUR – The Social Brewers

    In this Chat on Tap Bonus Pour, we chat to Beau Curtis who is the founder and head brewer of The Social Brewers in Mortdale, Sydney, for a guided tasting of the core lineup. From crisp lagers to hop loaded limited releases, this episode is a walkthrough of what’s pouring at one of the St George region’s most exciting breweries.  The philosophy behind a great “gateway beer” lager and why simple done well is powerful  Breaking down a Pacific Ale built for Aussie conditions - Galaxy hops, sessionable and refreshing  Inside the Forest Road IPA - an “Anglo-American” hybrid balancing malt richness with US hops  The story behind Death Valley Double IPA (8.2%) - a limited birthday release with experimental hops  How small-batch brewing allows for creativity, risk-taking, and one-off beers that don’t last longCheck out The Social Brewers  https://thesocialbrewers.com.au/  Follow them on Instagram @thesocialbrewers Are you loving the bonus beer content? Let us know what you'd like to hear about next on email - hello@chatontap.com Or follow @chatontap on instagram Or are you a YouTuber? @ontapchat Episode produced by: WHEN Studios Follow: @WHEN.Studios, Insta: @chatontap Tiktok: @chat.on.tap YouTube: @ontapchat Got a Story?  Wanna help us Tap In to a great venue, deal, beer? Interested in sponsorship?  email us! Email: hello@chatontap.com Host: David A. Lennon – @davidalennon Website: chatontap.com

    6 min

  4. MAR 18

    EP 19 - “If Not Now, Then When?” – The Story Behind Social Brewing

    What happens when a corporate marketer decides to open a brewery in a part of Sydney with no craft beer scene? And what does it really take to keep it alive? In this episode of Chat on Tap, Dave heads to Social Brewing in the St George area to sit down with founder and head brewer Beau Curtis. What starts as a conversation about beer quickly turns into a deeper chat about risk, resilience, and building something from scratch. The jump from corporate marketing into running a breweryWhy opening in a “craft beer wasteland” was both a risk and an opportunityThe reality of running a brewery - long hours, low margins, and constant pressureHow a cardiac arrest reshaped Beau’s perspective on time and taking chancesMarginal gains and why consistency beats luck in businessBuilding a strong local community and loyal taproom cultureChapters are auto generated 00:00 Intro – Social Brewing, St George  01:10 Meeting Beau & early beer chat  03:20 The St George craft beer scene  05:10 Building a local brewery community  06:10 From corporate marketing to brewing  08:05 Starting the brewery journey  09:30 The reality: “You’ll never work harder for less money”  10:20 “If not now, then when?” mindset  12:50 The daily grind of running a brewery  14:00 Learning to brew & refining recipes  15:00 Marginal gains & consistency  16:30 Staying in the game  17:45 The tough days in business  19:00 The acid cloud disaster  22:20 The moments that make it worth it 🍺 Tapped In — St George Edition A look into the St George craft beer scene and surrounding breweries: Sunday Road Brewing (Kirrawee)Shark Island Brewing (Cronulla)Hairyman Brewery (Cronulla)Club Rivers (rotating craft taps)Episode produced by: WHEN Studios Follow: @WHEN.Studios, Insta: @chatontap Tiktok: @chat.on.tap YouTube: @ontapchat Got a Story?  Wanna help us Tap In to a great venue, deal, beer? Interested in sponsorship?  email us! Email: hello@chatontap.com Host: David A. Lennon – @davidalennon Website: chatontap.com

    34 min

  5. MAR 16 ·  BONUS

    BONUS POUR - Belgian Tripels at 2 Halfs Brewing and Distilling

    In this Chat on Tap bonus episode, David sits down with Kirk from 2 Halfs Brewing & Distilling to dive into one of Belgium’s most iconic beer styles — the Tripel. Fresh off the previous episode with Matt the Craft Beer MC, this chat explores how Tripel Day came about, what makes the style so unique, and why it’s often called the “king of beers.” Despite sitting around 8% ABV, Tripels are known for being dangerously drinkable — and Kirk explains how yeast, malt and brewing technique create that balance of strength and elegance. Kirk also explains the philosophy behind his brewery-distillery hybrid and how a small operation in Alexandria is producing everything from Belgian-style ales to house spirits and fruit seltzers.  What Belgian Tripel actually is — and why it drinks smoother than its high ABV suggestsHow Tripel Day started and the role Matt the Craft Beer MC played in itThe flavour profile of a classic Tripel: yeast-driven character, fruit notes and deceptively strong alcoholWhy Belgium’s beer culture — from glassware to serving temperature — is still the gold standardInside 2 Halfs Brewing & Distilling and how the brewery + distillery operate side by sideIf you’ve ever wondered what a Belgian Tripel actually tastes like — or why brewers revere the style — this short bonus episode is a quick crash course from someone who’s been brewing them for decades. It’s also a glimpse into one of Sydney’s most interesting small producers. Episode produced by: WHEN Studios Follow: @WHEN.Studios, Insta: @chatontap Tiktok: @chat.on.tap YouTube: @ontapchat Got a Story?  Wanna help us Tap In to a great venue, deal, beer? Interested in sponsorship?  email us! Email: hello@chatontap.com Host: David A. Lennon – @davidalennon Website: chatontap.com

    8 min

  6. MAR 11

    EP18 - World Tripel Day explained by The Craft Beer MC

    What happens when a Newcastle beer fan becomes the Australian ambassador for International Tripel Day? And what exactly IS a Belgian Tripel? Don't worry, David didn't know either until today.  In this episode of Chat on Tap, Dave sits down with Matt Chester “Craft Beer MC” at Two Halfs Brewing in Alexandria to talk Belgian Tripels, the global craft beer community, and how an Instagram beer page turned into friendships around the world.  Why the style is usually 8–9% ABVThe history of Tripels and their roots in Belgian brewingThe rise of Craft Beer MC – Matt’s journey from macro lagers to running a global beer Instagram community with thousands of followers.International Tripel Day explained – what a Belgian Tripel is, why it’s such a legendary beer style, and how Matt became Australia’s ambassador.Beer trades & Beerstagram culture – swapping beers across countries to try rare brews you’d never find locally.Global craft beer friendships – connecting with beer lovers across the US, Canada, the UK, and beyond.00:00 Intro – International Tripel Day at Two Halfs Brewing 01:05 Meet Matt – Craft Beer MC origin story 02:10 First craft beer experiences in the US 03:15 The global craft beer Instagram community 05:30 Beer trades explained 08:30 Meeting through Instagram 10:10 Rare beers and international trades 12:10 Becoming the Australian Tripel Day ambassador 15:10 What exactly is a Belgian Tripel? 16:40 First time drinking a Tripel 18:00 Tapped In – Newcastle beer venues 21:00 Pub pick – The Clarendon Hotel 22:20 Matt’s day job outside beer 23:40 The Craft Beer MC birthday T-shirt story 24:40 Outro  Tapped In – Newcastle Edition Matt’s top venues to visit if you’re heading to Newcastle: Shout BrewingMethod BrewingGrainfed BrewingThe Clarendon Hotel (pub pick)Venues & Breweries Mentioned Two Halfs Brewing – Alexandria, NSW Shout Brewing – Newcastle Method Brewing – Newcastle Grainfed Brewing – Newcastle The Clarendon Hotel – Newcastle Slow Lane Brewing – Botany, NSW International breweries referenced: Tree House Brewing Trillium Brewing The Alchemist Brewing This episode is a perfect snapshot of what craft beer culture is really about — community, sharing great beers, and meeting people you’d never otherwise cross paths with. From Belgian Tripels to beer trades and Beerstagram friendships, this chat shows how one simple beer page can open doors around the world. Recorded at Two Halfs Brewing, Alexandria NSW Episode produced by: WHEN Studios Follow: @WHEN.Studios, Insta: @chatontap Tiktok: @chat.on.tap YouTube: @ontapchat Got a Story?  Wanna help us Tap In to a great venue, deal, beer? Interested in sponsorship?  email us! Email: hello@chatontap.com Host: David A. Lennon – @davidalennon Website: chatontap.com

    26 min

  7. MAR 4

    EP 17 - Tall Hoppy Syndrome

    Chat On Tap is back for 2026, and it makes perfect sense to kick off the year with  co-host Cecilia Hollins and a cracking NZ Red IPA in hand. Host David A. Lennon dives straight into the big beer conversations shaping Australia right now, from the fallout of GABS to Australia’s soaring beer prices and the eternal craft vs macro debate. Recorded at the unofficial “Mazza Hotel” in Marrickville, this episode features some beer news, "You've Got Ale" listener questions, Pub Quiz (once again testing the US education system), and the teachings of tall poppy syndrome. And hey craft beer lovers, what are your thoughts on Budweiser?  1️⃣ Mountain Culture’s Four-Peat & Tall Poppy Syndrome Mountain Culture Beer Co wins GABS’ Hottest 100 for the fourth year in a row with Status Quo, sparking debate about dominance, independent breweries, and whether Aussies love cutting down success. And what's up with GABS going forward? 2️⃣ Australia’s Beer Prices Are Among the Highest in the World With Australia ranking in the top 5 most expensive beer countries for 2026, David and Cece unpack excise tax freezes, shrinkflation in pub pours, and why a six-pack in the U.S. feels criminally cheap by comparison. 3️⃣ You've Got Ale - Send in your questions and comments to hello@chatontap.com, or DM on the instagram page @chatontap.  Should you stock your fridge with your favourite beer when overseas? Listener Luke has taken great offence to his mother-in-laws Budweiser habit 4️⃣ Brewery Food: Keep It Simple Food trucks > fancy degustation. The verdict? Crispy chicken wings, burgers, and rotating food trucks win at breweries. Overcomplicate it and you risk missing the point — beer and community first. 👤 Guest – Cecilia “Cece” Hollins Cecilia Hollins is a regular Chat On Tap co-host and a American-Turned-Proud-Aussie. She brings a unique cross cultural lens to pub culture and craft beer. Passionate about community, approachable beer styles, and making craft more accessible, Cece offers sharp takes on everything from GABS politics to fruit-forward pilsners. She’s also not afraid to defend Budweiser - when necessary. Chapters are Auto Generated 00:00 Welcome Back to Chat on Tap 02:54 Holiday Beers 05:34 GABS 08:58 You've Got Ale 11:42 Brewery Food Menus and Recommendations 14:54 Family-Friendly Breweries and Experiences 17:44 Traveling and Beer Recommendations 20:32 Pub Quiz  33:26 Wrap-Up and Future Topics 🍺 Venues & Beers Mentioned Venues Thirstville Bottle Shop – Marrickville, NSWHawke's Brewing Co – Marrickville, NSWBreweries & Beers Mountain Culture Beer Co – Status QuoThe Grifter Brewing Co – Serpent’s Kiss (Watermelon Pilsner)Balter Brewing CompanySingle FinColonial Brewing CoBudweiserEpisode produced by: WHEN Studios Follow: @WHEN.Studios, Insta: @chatontap Tiktok: @chat.on.tap YouTube: @ontapchat Got a Story?  Wanna help us Tap In to a great venue, deal, beer? Interested in sponsorship?  email us! Email: hello@chatontap.com Host: David A. Lennon – @davidalennon Website: chatontap.com

    36 min

  8. 12/23/2025

    EP16 - Breakfast Beers and Christmas Cheers

    Surprise! One last episode for 2025, and it's a Christmas Special! We are joined by fan favourites Cecilia Hollins and Matt Baseley for a festive natter about what makes an Aussie Christmas what it is. When does Christmas actually start? From Thanksgiving traditions in the US to the first Test match signalling Aussie summer. The summer of cricket Learning cricket as an adult, Test vs T20 vs ODI, favourite formats, and why Boxing Day is sacred. Christmas drinking decoded (Tapped in) All-day beers, family beers, breakfast beers, and what to bring when you don’t know anything about beer. Wine & whisky for hosting Easy crowd-pleasers, BBQ wines, and which bottles should be hidden from guests. Festive pub culture & traditions Christmas Day at pubs, catered Christmas lunches, cold vs hot Christmas, and why New Year’s rarely lives up to the hype. and Double Pub Quizzes to see out the year. Grab a drink and your favourite holiday sittin' spot and whack your headphones in for a Chat on Tap Chrissy special. Thank you once again for all your love, listening and support in the past few months! I am so excited to bring the podcast back in 2026 and have you there along for the ride! Stay safe and CHEERS David Episode produced by: WHEN Studios Follow: @WHEN.Studios, Insta: @chatontap Tiktok: @chat.on.tap YouTube: @ontapchat Got a Story?  Wanna help us Tap In to a great venue, deal, beer? Interested in sponsorship?  email us! Email: hello@chatontap.com Host: David A. Lennon – @davidalennon Website: chatontap.com

    31 min
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About

Chat on Tap is a podcast about pubs and the people in them. Each week, host David A. Lennon and a rotating cast of your new best mates pull up a stool as they chat with legends, locals and tap in on what to drink and where to drink it. Chat on Tap is both a love letter to Aussie pubs and beer, and a guidebook to where to go next.

Information

  • Creator
    David A. Lennon
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Chat On Tap
  • Show Website
    Chat On Tap

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