Just a one-minute walk from Hibiya Station, or a three-minute walk from JR Yurakucho Station is the Hub Hibiya Branch, a British-style pub where you can enjoy a drink while watching sports. As you descend the stairs leading to its basement location, its British pub atmosphere is apparent from the instant you enter. The brick and wood walls are decorated with guitars, old audio equipment, and disused brewery equipment, helping to set the mood before you even set foot inside.
“The Hub was founded by the late Isao Nakauchi, founder of the Daiei supermarket store chain, after being impressed with British pub culture during a visit to the United Kingdom. His aim was to spread a new type of drinking culture different from the traditional ‘izakaya’ Japanese-style pubs that were the norm in Japan. The first Hub opened in Kobe’s Sannomiya district in 1980, and since then the number of locations has steadily increased. This one here in Hibiya opened in 1998. For the past quarter-century, this bar has been a favorite destination for people who want to experience authentic pub culture in the area.”
Public relations manager Mr. Kono told us about the history of the Hub. According to him, the name “Hub”, which means “center of a wheel”, is significant because it also means “a place where people gather”.
Just as the name implies, on weekday evenings, businessmen make their way in one after another after finishing work. Some of them nurse their drinks while leisurely watching sports matches on the TVs, while other enjoy post-work chats with their friends. On days when matches in popular sports such as soccer and baseball can be watched, fans gather to cheer and share their excitement. This is a great way to experience a feeling of togetherness with the other patrons.
The Hub’s wide selection of drinks and food, essential when watching sports, is also not to be missed. In addition to their original Hub Ale and various other types of beers, an extensive lineup of whiskies, wines, and cocktails is also available. There is a menu of alcohol-free choices as well, so even those who don’t drink alcohol have plenty to choose from. One of the Hub’s most appealing points is that you can have a good time there whether you drink alcohol or not.
When asked what food he recommends, Mr. Kono immediately replied, “The fish and chips.” Crispy on the outside and filled with thick, large, and meaty fried white fish on its juicy inside, it’s the Hub’s signature dish, based on an authentic British recipe. Paired with the Hub’s special tartar sauce, it goes great with any drink. Other classic British dishes such as shepherd’s pie are available, as well as buffalo chicken, lamb kebabs, shareable pizzas and more, to the point that it might be hard to choose. Happy Hour runs from the pub’s opening to 7:00 PM every day, offering a 30% discount on cocktails, highballs, and soft drinks, as well as specials on other drinks and food. Deals like that will make you want to be there at opening time.
The Hub in Hibiya is a very popular place not just for enjoying food and drink, but also for watching sports. Several large monitors inside the bar give customers a great view of the action. On days when local teams are playing, it’s also a great place for supporters to cheer along with like-minded fans. This can also lead to opportunities to meet new people and strike up conversations.
The Hub offers a wide range of seating options to suit your mood, including counter seats where you can have a drink by yourself and comfortable tables where you can relax.
Have fun watching the game in an authentic pub atmosphere at the Hub Hibiya Branch, located conveniently close to Ginza, the Imperial Palace, and other Tokyo sightseeing hotspots.
(Information accurate as of coverage on July 1, 2024.)
