Freshly crafted brews and hearty gastropub cuisine at popular Shanghai microbrewery

November 4th, 2012

 

Shanghai Brewery 2 captures the warmth and welcoming atmosphere associated with traditional “local” neighbourhood pubs, and its location at the heart of the premier residential and night entertainment district of Shanghai’s former French Concession area makes it a convenient destination for both the many nearby residents, and also visitors from other parts of Shanghai. Set into two levels of a prominent corner building facing the elegant tree-lined avenue now named Hengshan Road, Shanghai Brewery 2 is the second branch of the successful microbrewery operation that opened their first Shanghai Brewery in the Hongmei area of Shanghai in 2010. Under the direction of two passionate brewmasters, Shanghai Brewery, at both locations, serve selections of delicious hand-crafted beers that are brewed fresh on the premises. The fresh brews are complimented by a diverse menu of gastropub cuisine- with many popular dishes that provide a first-rate dining experience. And sports fans are catered for with numerous large LCD screens and projectors that feature live broadcasts of major international sporting events.

shanghai brewery

The prominent corner location Shanghai Brewery 2 in the centre of the historic former French Concession night entertainment district.

Shanghai Brewery 2 offers a variety of spaces for relaxing and enjoying their brews and food, ranging from the open-air terrace at the front entrance, that also extends down the side of the building, to the main interior barroom, and a further bar and accompanying dining spaces on the first floor, which also houses the microbrewery operations. The interior features a contemporary, industrial chic style- with timber flooring, white ceilings with exposed stainless steel ducting, and custom designed and crafted, solid timber barstools, high-tables, and dining furniture, providing a relaxed and comfortable environment for social drinking. Elements of the brewing process are prominently featured within the room- with a large gleaming stainless steel brewing vat the centrepiece display behind the sleek solid timber bar.

The upper level, accessed by a broad staircase with further stainless steel brewing vats prominent behind glass at the head of the stairs, offers further dining spaces- including a large private room at the rear- also with glass panels showcasing the functioning microbrewery production facilities.

shanghai brewery

The outdoor terrace is shaded in summer by the majestic plane trees that line the street corner

shanghai brewery

Sheltered terrace tables extend along the side street facade of Shanghai Brewery

The kitchen at Shanghai Brewery is recently under the direction of experienced UK chef Justin Birmingham, who brings his  extensive culinary skills to his role as Executive Chef- honed whilst cooking in the kitchen at a Michelin 2-starred restaurant in the UK- ensuring a consistently high quality dining experience. The dining menu features a wide ranging selection of popular international gastropub-style dishes that should satisfy most appetites. The cuisine encompasses hearty serves of classic British pub dishes such as Fish & Chips and Bangers & Mash; 12 inch Pizzas in many varieties; Grilled prime imported Steaks; Burgers and Sandwiches; Mexican favourites such Fajitas; Pastas and Salads;  and the quintessential German dishes to accompany beer such as Crispy Pork Knuckle, Mixed Sausages, and Pork Schnitzel.

shanghai brewery

The expansive main ground-floor space of the microbrewery- features timber flooring, polished stainless steel ceiling ducting, and solid timber and leather upholstered furniture.

shanghai brewery

The impressive main bar of solid polished timber- and behind the bar-  showcasing the centrepiece glistening stainless steel brewing vat 

shanghai brewery

Stainless steel beer fonts for pouring the six varieties of house brews

As a functioning microbrewery, the refreshing house-brews are the main attraction for drinkers at Shanghai Brewery. The bar always has on tap the six styles of “house” beers brewed on the premises, plus further special seasonal brews for limited periods. The range of the beer styles include Weizen (wheat beer), Pilsner, Stout, Lager and IPA ( Indian Pale Ale).  A good option for those not familiar with the beer varieties is to order the Sampler Set– with a selection of four of the beers served in smaller 220ml glasses.

And unusually for a microbrewery, which typically only serve their own brews, Shanghai Brewery also offer on tap, and by the bottle, a good selections of local and imported beer brands. In addition to their beers, the drinks list features an intriguing list of beer cocktails, coupled with selections of “classic” cocktails. And for non-beer lovers, wines, champagnes and spirits, together with non-alcoholic beverages, are all available from the bar.

shanghai brewery

View across the expansive ground floor space – with the main bar to the left, and the various table settings accommodating groups of both diners and drinkers.

shanghai brewery

The copper kettle and stainless steel brewing vats prominently displayed at the entrance.

Upper Level

shanghai brewery

The upper level features an additional serving bar, pool table, and dining tables.

shanghai brewery

At the rear of the upper level, a large private room for events and parties- with the functioning microbrewery works on view through the large glass window.

shanghai brewery

Stainless steel brewing vats at the head of the staircase from the ground floor entrance.

The Freshly Crafted Shanghai Brewery Beers

Shanghai brewery

 

Shanghai brewery

 

 

shanghai brewery

SHANGHAI BREWERY 2- micro brewery, restaurant & sports bar

Address: 15 Dongping Lu- corner Hengshan Lu, Xu Hui District, Shanghai 200030. China
Metro: Line 1 Hengshan Rd
Enquiries+86.21. 3461 0717
Website:  www.shanghaibrewery.com/
Opening Hours:
Sunday – Thursday  -10:00 am ~ 02:00 am
Friday & Saturday    10:00 am ~ 03:00 am
Happy Hour    Monday – Friday  2:00 pm ~ 8:00 pm   Saturday & Sunday  4:00 pm ~ 8:00 pm

The original Shanghai Brewery 1, opened in 2010, is located at:
21C Hongmei Pedestrian Street, Lane 3338 Hongmei Road (by Yan An Road). Shanghai