Cardiff’s bar scene is set for another crafty addition, with The Hopbunker set to finally turn on the taps within the month.
Operated by Hopcraft – Pixie Spring Brewery, based in Pontyclun, The Hopbunker is set to offer tuns of choice to our beer drinkers. Hopcraft head honcho, Gazza Prescott, promises that customers will have lots of brilliant beers to enjoy, with up to 20 keg beers and 12 on cask. Hopcraft’s own creations and several guest ales will be available.
Awesome ales are assured but Prescott admits that the opening date is still uncertain, although he is hopeful that the bar will open within the month. “We still don’t have an exact date” he says, “but we’re hoping to open in the next week. Or maybe two…”
The bare bones, industrial chic cellar, located in the old Barfly venue, is the latest addition to our growing craft beer scene. Establishments in the city set up by local breweries include The Gravity Station from Waen Brewery and Tiny Rebel’s Urban Tap House.
“Beer drinkers are an extremely promiscuous bunch and want a lot of variety. Cardiff is getting a lot better for offering that variety and another bar certainly won’t harm the scene”
Beer buff, Jordan Harris of The Grill and Barrel believes the continued beery revolution we are seeing can only be a good thing.
“Beer drinkers are an extremely promiscuous bunch and want a lot of variety. Cardiff is getting a lot better for offering that variety and another bar certainly won’t harm the scene” he says, “The Hopbunker promises to offer a range of Welsh beers and ales which will be amazing not just for Cardiff’s beer scene, but for Wales’ in general.”
Similarly, Rick Zaple, chair of CAMRA’s Cardiff branch, believes that the rise in range and quality of beer available has wider benefits for our city. Zaple states, “It seems to be attracting to the city a more serious type of drinker, taking pleasure in appreciating flavoursome and distinctive beers rather than simply drinking to get drunk.”
Great news all round then, for our beer drinkers and the community as a whole.
Photos: Tom Carter