The masterminds behind Brookvale’s beloved Bucketty’s are raising the bar once again with a brilliant new venue now open!
Nick and Lexi McDonald are breathing new life into Brookvale’s entertainment precinct, having transformed a former wedding venue above Mimmo’s Pizza on Pittwater Road into Chalky’s. The new multi-faceted venue features pool tables, private karaoke rooms, and a massive LED wall for watching grand finals and sporting matches.
The new establishment, which officially opened on May 2, 2025, aims to create a fresh local hangout while maintaining the community-focused spirit that made Bucketty’s a local favourite. We spoke to Nick about what his exciting new venture…
Tell us about Chalkys. What inspired you to create this new venue?
It was actually more about the venue than the concept. I’d known the building and the space since before Bucketty’s, and it’s such an interesting, large format space with a great licence. When it came up for lease I started thinking more seriously about what might work in the space, and the idea of a pool hall/sports/karaoke and cocktails bubbled to the surface!
Did you have the idea and then find the venue, or was it the other way around?
Yeah, the other way around. I was conscious of wanting to create something that complimented Bucketty’s, rather than competing with it. Chalky’s will be more chilled, but a very immersive experience.
Creating spaces to connect and watch sport is a big part of what you’ve wanted to achieve with Chalky’s. Why is this important to you?
Some of my favourite life moments have been in the lead up to, and after the final whistle. That anticipation of whether your team can overcome the odds, then the subsequent emotional turmoil that you go through as a fan watching and willing for a victory. Sharing that experience with a bunch of other invested fans is something that’s pretty special, it makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger than yourself.
The transformation into Chalkys. Images: via Chalky’s Instagram.
Does the venue cater to multiple age ranges (i.e. parents with little kids?)
It’s an all ages venue, but it’s not kid friendly. I’m keen to support the family with mature age kids who are keen to come and play pool or watch the game. But the little ones can stick to Bucketty’s with its robust, spaghetti resistant, concrete floor.
Games, pool, cocktails, and… karaoke. Why karaoke?
We had our staff Christmas party at a karaoke joint last year and I’d forgotten how fun it was. Seeing all our staff sing out of their shell and cut loose was amazing. We see a version of it in Bucketty’s, how powerful tunes can be in elevating a group of people. And there’s nowhere that gives us this opportunity on the Beaches to belt out a banger.
We have to ask, what’s your go-to karaoke song?
My song? I don’t really have one, but the Blues Brothers soundtrack has a bunch that I’m down for.
What kind of food is on the menu?
We’ve hired the former head chef of Bar Elvina in Avalon who’s got some great ideas. It’s easy and shareable. There’s actually a huge wedding kitchen as part of the fit-out that used to pump out hundreds of meals, so expect some epic eats.
Can you share more on the other breweries you support?
We’ve got 16 taps, and the plan is to have about 10 doing Bucketty’s, and the other 6 with the other local indie breweries. 7th Day, Dad & Daves, Freshwater, Broken Bay to name a few!
Anything else you want to share or like our community to know?
Thanks for the support of Bucketty’s over the past four years and cheers for the love for the new venue concept with Chalky’s! We’re hopefully gonna provide something that’s quite different to your usual hospitality offering and really take the Brookie scene up to the next level.
Follow Chalky’s and Bucketty’s on Instagram.
