Slow Boat Sails Into Dengshikou With New 50-Seat Taproom

Now that the stormy seas of the Great Brickening have somewhat eased, and the 2017 forced closure of their flagship taproom at Dongsi Batiao is well behind them, Slow Boat is setting sail for new territory. The popular local brewery announced today (Dec 14) that they will be opening a new taproom near Line 5's Dengshikou subway station shortly after Chinese New Year.

Read: Slow Boat's Original Taproom Upended and to be Shut Indefinitely

The announcement will surely come as a surprise for local beer nerds and food and beverage fans alike. Compared to Slow Boat's prior hutong digs and their newer brewpub in Sanlitun, Dengshikou is a relatively sleepy neighborhood, what with its proximity to pricy tourist haunts like Wangfujing.

Despite opening in a distinctly spiffier spot than usual, Slow Boat promised in a press release that the new taproom will "offer a neighborhood friendly, laid-back atmosphere."

Patrons will have 20 taps of Slow Boat seasonal beer to choose from at this new branch; more cocktail options than Slow Boat's prior locations; spirits, wine, and cider; as well as a lunch, brunch, and dinner menu. The new Dengshikou location will be smaller than the sprawling three-floor Slow Boat Sanlitun brewery, comprised of 50 seats and additional outdoor seating when weather permits.

The forthcoming branch is also a throwback to the Slow Boat of yore, at least in one sense. The press release describes the new location as "tucked away but easily accessible, quiet but not far from the bustle of central Beijing, the Dengshikou taproom embodies everything we love about Beijing and the hutongs.

Founder Chandler Jurinka tells the Beijinger: "Slow Boat started in the old part of Beijing and we’re excited to return there. There have been a lot of changes to Beijing since we opened our first taproom in 2012, but what has remained unchanged is our love for the city. Moving back feels like going home."

Stay tuned for a review of the new location once it's open.

Catch up on Slow Boat's origins with our 2011 Q&A with founder Chandler Jurinka.

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Photos courtesy of Slow Boat