Hobgoblin Shibuya, a British-type pub where you can drink the popular British craft beer Hobgoblin, is located just a couple minutes’ walk from Shibuya Station. Its wood-laden interior gives it an authentic atmosphere that is further enhanced with the posters of Hobgoblin beer’s iconic characters that adorn the walls. All of the furniture in the pub was imported from the UK, and the interior was created by a team of carpenters and craftsmen from Europe, giving it an unmistakably British aura. It’s also a great place to have fun watching sports while enjoying your favorite ale or cider and hearty dishes that conjure up flavors that will make you think of Great Britain.
Large screens installed in various locations throughout the bar show live broadcasts of a wide variety of sports for the enjoyment of patrons visiting from all over the world. For example, you can watch the Premier League and AFL, as well as cricket and other sports that are not often seen on TV in Japan. The staff is also willing to accommodate requests from customers if they have something in particular that they want to watch. Feel free to let the staff know if there’s a sport, league, or match that you’d like to see. Watching them with the other customers there is sure to make it even more exciting.
Many of the people that visit the Hobgoblin come for their authentic British ales. In addition to the Hobgoblin Ale that is the pub’s namesake, there are also IPAs and dark beers, as well as guest ales that change from day to day. All of the directly imported brews have histories of winning awards.
A great deal of effort also goes into the food that accompanies the beer. First and foremost is the traditional British pub food, fish and chips. Fresh cod fillets are deep-fried in a home-style beer batter, making them crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. The sheer volume of the dish is also something to be reckoned with. Sprinkle a dash of malt vinegar on it to give it that quintessential British pub taste. The chef’s special tartar sauce is a perfect complement, giving it a taste that wonderfully accompanies the alcoholic beverage of your choice.
Hummus, a chickpea-based paste into which you can dip pita bread, is also exquisite. Only a pub with British roots can also offer such Middle Eastern fare. The hummus is among the many vegan offerings that are also on the pub’s menu. Menu items that are vegetarian or vegan are clearly marked, a welcome feature for customers seeking those options.
The inside is bright and spacious, creating an atmosphere that women can feel at ease in, even when going by themselves. It’s also frequented by a large number of foreign customers, making it a popular destination for those who want to get to know people from various countries. A variety of events are also held here, including performances by DJs on some days, which really livens up the atmosphere! This authentic British-style pub is a place where both local Japanese residents and visitors from abroad can come and have a good time, whether alone or in large groups. With its selection of award-winning British beers and classic British cuisine, the Hobgoblin is a great place to enjoy an authentic British atmosphere while watching some sports.
(As of publication on October 22, 2024)
