Brew Ape Pub: Bananas for Beer

Beijing's craft beer and imported bottle scene has just got another contender: Brew Ape Pub. Owned by Monkey (the proprietor's last name is Hou) the bar is going strong after its second month in action, and drawing a small but boozy local crowd.

First impressions are that Brew Ape Pub is bright, perhaps a little too bright, but a decent and clean bar serving up draft and bottled beer from all over the country, and the world, in true hutong-bar style. Never again will any of us feel content stepping into a bar that offers less than 50 choices from 30 different countries, and why should we when there are bars like this? A visit might be tough on those indecisive in nature.

While they are not yet offering their own draft beers, we hope to see more of those in the future. Current draft options include Brewdog Punk (RMB 60), Karl Strauss Tower 10 (RMB 55), and Fengshou IPA (RMB 60), all craft brews from breweries near and far.

The only thing we’re missing here is outside seating, although there realistically isn’t enough space to put out any garden furniture. Thankfully for the last month before the winter, the wooden steps outside make for a good makeshift patio.

If you're in the area, there's no reason not to stop by for a cheeky pint and a chat with Monkey, who is friendly and speaks conversational English. After all, the next brewpub is about 150 meters down the road, and who wants to go that far without knocking back a solid drink.

Brew Ape Pub
Daily 4.30pm-late. 11-29 Banqiao Hutong, Dongcheng District (134 0110 9370)
东城区板桥胡同11-29号

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 margauxschreurs@truerun.com
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Photo: Ken