Bangalore Brew Works had been open for a while, but we didn’t want to go all the way there until the microbrewery was up and running. That happened just in time for Oktoberfest and that’s when we landed up there. ‘Up there’ is probably the right description because it’s on the 10th floor. Thanks to that, a fantastic view of the city is on offer for a few tables. The others have to be content with a slightly less breathtaking view, visible if you allow yourself to see beyond the bar counter. The seating is mix of high tables and bar stools, and plush sofas near the bar, relatively low seating in the area that offers the superb view of UB City, and a rather haphazard arrangement of functional furniture in the centre. On Saturday night, there was a DJ playing some very good EDM. Rather loud, I’d add and at least a couple of groups were complaining. 🙂 There’s the mandatory big screen, of course.
We had asked for a table reservation but were told we could just walk in. The place is quite suited to large groups.
From the four kinds of craft brew available, we asked for the Richmond Ale and Majestic Wheat to begin with. Pale ale with a mild fruity flavour and Belgian Weiss respectively. The latter was also supposed to have a mild spice from cardamom and black pepper though I couldn’t sense it. We also tried the Brigade Lager – German Bock with a light bitter aftertaste, fairly strong. Overall, the beer was much better than I expected. Solid food consumption was begun in the form of ‘Brats on Board’ – a pork and chicken sausage platter with mash and a mustard-mayo dip. Mildly spicy, well cooked and perfect as a beer companion.
We then tried the Smoky Mexican Pizza – thin crust with spicy sausage, sweet corn, jalapeno, cheese and red onion. Thanks to the roasted pepper and chilli oil, it was a bit spicy as well. The Chilli Vodka Farfalle wasn’t as creamy as we had hoped for, but the Pancetta (pretty close to bacon!) and the chilli infused vodka made up for that shortcoming. There was a dessert sampler available, so we thought we might as well try it. Three sundaes – tiramisu, brownie and mysore pak. The first was rather meh, the second was quite good and the last was definitely different from standard fare.
All of that came to just under Rs.2300, which is rather low given the location, I thought! The service was very prompt and friendly. Except for the desserts, everything appeared at the table super fast. But then again, desserts at a microbrewery aren’t probably a priority!
It had been a while since we had visited Residency Road, and I wondered whether the area had lost the prominence it had enjoyed until the last decade. Ah well, places have their shelf lives as well.
Bangalore Brew Works, 10th Level, Prestige Towers, 99/100, Residency Road, Ph: 9740704411