North Rocks: Dylan and Rachel Falecki plan to open micro distillery

Having a drink has never been more popular but it was a throwaway lockdown line from the Polish dad of former TV tradie Dylan Falecki that planted the seed for a new business venture.

North Rocks could be home to the area’s first distillery and cellar door if Dylan and Rachel Falecki’s plans to ramp up Parramatta’s night life come to fruition.

Former The Living Room and Better Homes and Gardens presenter Dylan and his television producer wife Rachel are poised to open the intimate venue, called The Workshop Bar, in an effort to add a cosmopolitan flavour locally.

The Oatlands couple, the managing directors of Primary Goods Co, has submitted a development application with Parramatta Council to convert the use of the premises at Richard Close into a venue for up to 25 patrons who could enjoy a tipple of some of the vodka and gin produced on site.

Dylan and Rachel Falecki at the site where they plan to open a cellar door. Picture: Monique Harmer

The focus will be on exports and boosting Parramatta’s post-COVID night economy.

The idea was born after Mr Falecki, a builder and carpenter by trade, was at a crossroads about his career during the coronavirus crisis, and his Polish father made a fleeting comment about alcohol.

“We were in lockdown and no one knew what they were doing with their lives and it was just a throwaway line, Dad said ‘People still drank in the war’ and I kind of had this light bulb moment.

“When I told my wife we were building a distillery instead of building a house I thought she would divorce me but she thought it was the best idea.’’

Mrs Falecki said the distillery would match the council’s night time economy strategy.

“People don’t want to travel to the city any more and pay $100 for an Uber each way,’’ she said.

Artist impressions of a micro distillery and small bar that could open at Richard Close, North Rocks.

Dylan and Rachel Falecki get into the spirit of their future distillery. Picture: Monique Harmer

“They want quality artisan food and drink premises. We’re trying to open Parramatta’s first distillery and catch up with the rest of Sydney.

“We’ve got that personal touch where people can go out, call it a second home.’’

The dry distillery will not undertake fermentation on the site and food will be prepared off site with Middle Eastern and antipasto platters on the menu.

The Peruvian national drink of Pisco, a nod to Mr Falecki’s heritage, will also be served and workshops with gin-making classes with 20 people will be held.

The Faleckis own the warehouse, which has been used for storage and as a workshop, where Mr Falecki crafts his bespoke pieces, some which will be sold to patrons.

Subject to approval, the bar will open Monday to Saturday between 3pm and 10pm.

Rachel and Dylan Falecki with in-laws and business partners Adam Moses (creative director) and Colin Mitchell (distiller). Picture: Monique Harmer

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