Banking On It: The Vineyard on the River Does Home Brew

Craft beer, charcuterie and a breezy rooftop vie to welcome you to Will Yorke’s latest venue. Hutong crowds have long enjoyed the original Vineyard Café on Wudaoying, but Sanlitun shoppers and Dongzhimen diplomats no longer need make the trek to Yonghegong for pizzas, quiches, pasta and pies. Perched on the banks of the Liangma River, this maroon house overlooks a stand of willows bending thirstily into a rippling stream.

We tried the three cheese and asparagus quiche (RMB 60) and enjoyed the firm but light egg filling. The hummus and warmed pita (RMB 35) was just as good – if not better – with red peppers and black olives colorfully speckling the dip.

What’s different about the riverside Vineyard are the homebrewed beers (RMB 40), including a pale ale, an amber ale, and a dark ale. The hoppy kick of the pale ale is clean, crisp and refreshing for summer. The artisanal theme continues with the housemade bangers that have made their debut at Stuff’d (Yorke’s newly rebranded Vine Leaf ), and which should roast up nice and juicy on the terrace’s charcoal grill.

Throughout the summer, the menu will continue to change. Even without these additions, the new Vineyard deserves a visit, if only for the serene view.

Also try: The Vineyard, Backyard Cafe

Photos: Lova