First Glance: Brew Ape Pub, Beixinqiao

Beijing's craft beer and bottle scene has yet another contender: Brew Ape Pub. Owned by Monkey (the proprietor's last name is Hou) the bar is quickly closing in on its second month and drawing a small but loyal 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? A visit might be tough on those indecisive in nature.

Their own draft on offer is called Seeing Double Pale Ale (RMB 55), which went down very easily while still packing lots of flavor. Other draft options include Brewdog Punk (RMB 60), Karl Strauss Tower 10 (RMB 55), and Fengshou IPA (RMB 60), from breweries near and far. 

If you're in the area, there's no reason not to stop by for a cheeky pint and a chat with Monkey. After all, the next brewpub is about 150 meters down the road, and who wants to go that far without a 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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Photos: Margaux Schreurs

Comments

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Sorry about this, we were tricked! We should have double checked.

the Beijinger

Glad to hear you liked the Seeing Double IPA. It's a great beer. Sadly, it won't be available any longer at Brew Ape Pub. This is not the first time that Hou has told people that it's "his" beer. Clearly, it is not, and we find it very unfortunate that he continues to mislead and lie to his customers.

We wish Hou much luck with his bar, as he has worked very hard to renovate the space and make it look nice. Unfortunately, he will have to continue without the Seeing Double IPA, or any other beer from Arrow Factory Brewing.