A quick post on another new ‘brewery’ in Tokyo. Like many of the breweries that have recently opened (Goto Jozo, Pacific NW (post to follow when I actually manage to go there), and the over four years open Watering Hole who seem to be concentrating more on prising money away from people than starting brewing), they are not yet brewing. There is a window through to the brewery and there at least seems to be some equipment in there, but I would imagine they are still a little way away. Location at the weekend seemed very quiet but it’s early days and I imagine it’s a bit different during the week. Anyway, here’s what you need to know.
– Fancy looking location, pretty big with a counter for about 15, couple of big communal tables and a few more tables for four. Well lit and with lots of wood. Seems like a beer and dining kind of concept, as many places are.
– 13 taps, split about 2/3 to 1/3 between Japanese beers and US imports. The Japanese stuff is not exactly the most exciting or original of selections (Baird, Hitachino Nest and Ushitora). One tap is reserved for their house beer which is ‘brewing now’ but I think that might be being a bit optimistic unless it’s being brewed somewhere else. Apparently the recipe has been created by someone from the HUB brewery in Portland. Not sure what the connection is.
– Beers served in three sizes, S (maybe 200-250ml), M (wine glass size, maybe 300ml) and L (looked like UK pint). Prices are ¥380, ¥580 and ¥980 for all beers. Seems reasonable, but given that the exact sizes aren’t listed and there is that common double-whammy of a cover charge (¥350) and then tax added on top, it’s not as cheap as it might initially look. For the cover charge you get a plate of nuts and malted barley, which is nice enough, but it is a bit of a killer if you just want to pop in for one. Apparently the cover charge only applies after 17:00, but I guess this is weekdays only, as I was charged at around 16:00 at the weekend.
– Open all day, all week, at least at the moment. We’ll see how long that lasts, but it’s definitely a positive.
So, a mixed reaction. If you are a Tokyo bar veteran, there’s probably not a great deal to bring you here at the moment, but once they are up and brewing, maybe that will change. The daytime opening is a big plus and it’s good if they don’t charge the cover charge at this time. But still tax will be added and the choice of guest beers is unlikely to get many people’s pulses racing. When they are brewing, I’ll try to pop in and update this post.
Japanese breweries seen on tap:
Hitachino Nest
Baird
Ushitora
Opening Hours:
Daily, 11:30-23:00
Location/Map:
日本橋富沢町 10-13, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Telephone:
03-6231-0226
Links:
Website
Facebook
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