Finding a mug of icy cold beer has never been a problem in Japan. The big domestic brands are everywhere, imported bottled beers are now common in cafés and, recently, domestic craft beers have earned admiration from serious beer connoisseurs. However, one style of beer, the British real ale, has been conspicuously missing in Fukuoka. Brewed with top quality malt and hops, the smooth texture of hand-pumped British ale is unmistakable and (warning) possibly addictive! Thankfully, Gastropub Ales has come to the rescue. Opened in autumn 2011, it’s the only pub in Kyushu where highly acclaimed ales such as Yonayona Beer and Tokyo Black Real Ale can be enjoyed. They have other beers on tap, including “Brewdog Punk IPA” (Scotland), Hideji (Miyazaki), Hoegaarden (Belgium), Guinness (Ireland) and over 10 varieties of craft beer. Beers aside—and as its name implies—Gastropub Ales serves good food too. Pub classics such as fish and chips, shepherd’s pie and kidney pie. T-bone steaks and other meat dishes are also on offer, including reasonably priced small dishes (¥440~). High stool seating makes it ideal for both singles and groups, and the terrace seating is obviously the best place to enjoy your mug of fresh British ale in the summer.
Menu (tax excl.):
Yonayona Real Ale (pint) ¥1,360, Tokyo Black Real Ale (pint) ¥1,360, fish & chips ¥1,280, shepherd’s pie ¥910, kidney pie ¥1,480, white veal sausages ¥600 *items subject to change.
*table charge (21:00~) ¥200
*Prices to change from Oct. 1, 2019 following tax increase
Originally published in Fukuoka Now Magazine (fn161, May 2012)
