Review: Budvar Tank Tuesdays

Craft beer, is, undoubtedly, having a moment in London. There seem to be more beers out there than you can possibly imagine and in fact, more breweries than you can possibly imagine. It’s almost as though it’s the nation’s favourite drink. Funny that.

Fortunately, it’s not just us that feel that way. The good folks at Budvar have produced a rather fine drop and come up with a, novel is the wrong word, as it’s what they’ve been doing for donkey’s years, but still, interesting way of transporting and showing it off in situ in the bars it is served in. Budvar now comes, at the wonderfully named, Zigfried von Underbelly on Hoxton Square, in massive copper tanks that sit slap bang in the middle of the bar for all to see. You can almost hear it being pumped from the tanks directly to the taps.

Served in wonderful, stein-esque glasses befitting such a full-bodied and very fresh tasting Europe beer, they really suit. To go along with this fresh beer, the good people at Budvar are giving away 102 free pints, every Tuesday (Tank Tuesdays) at Zigfried von Underbelly, to the first 102 people to arrive at the bar. A splendid idea I’m sure you’ll agree. After all, the only way to make beer taste better is to give it away.

Now, the figure 102 might seem arbitrary to you, and justifiably so. We were told, however, that that is the length the beer is brewed for in order to give it it’s unique flavour and to ensure that every ounce of that hoppy goodness is extracted. This, again we are told, is nearly three times what most beers are brewed for and as such this beer is really quite special. Given the treatment it receives and the care with which it is transported and presented we can well believe it.

If free quality beer is not enough for you, there is another excellent reason to pop down to Ziggy’s. A talented photographer, who lives in the neighbourhood and has done for some years is displaying in what has been dubbed ‘London’s Smallest Art Gallery’, collections of his photographs of street art. So, not only can you go and sample some amber nectar, you can also do so while admiring the latest pieces by 616, Banksy and the likes.

All in all, Tank Tuesdays are well worth a visit to see some art, try some beer and even hear some great music. Pop down to Hoxton Square and you will not be disappointed!

Reporter: Pete Churchill @PeteJChurchill