New Brew

Though microbreweries— pubs that brew and sell beer on the premises— are no longer a rarity in cities like Delhi and Mumbai,the trend is just about starting off in Chandigarh,with Hops ‘n’ Grains being the tricity’s first. Launched formally on Friday in Panchkula’s Sector 9,Hops ‘n’ Grains is spread over three floors with the psychedelic-lit brewery in the basement and the ground floor. To complement the industrial setup (read large steely tanks with pipes jutting out) the pub’s interiors,specially the concrete surfaces,have been left deliberately unfinished. “It’s a new concept and we are hoping it will catch up here too,” says owner Amritanshu Agrawal,who learned the tricks of the trade in Australia. “I wanted to set up a place that was young at heart,” he adds.

The microbrewery catches one’s attention the moment you step inside the restaurant. The seating is casual and contemporary with high bar stools and fuss-free tables and couches. The highlight is definitely the beer,brewed fresh and made from German hops,Australian barley and yeast from France. All the ingredients are put together through various brewing processes,the result of which is four types of lager beer— premium,dark,wheat and light. “All the beer we brew is free from preservatives or chemicals,” adds Agrawal’s partner and wife Dr Priyanka Gupta.

Priced Rs 160 upwards for a 500 ml mug,the light beer leaves behind a sweet after-taste. Agrawal also recommends the dark and the Weiss Bier (Wheat in German) but the tanks had been left dry after the grand launch party. “We are now gearing up for Christmas for a full house with DJ Hamza in attendance,” laughs Gupta. The food menu is not too adventurous,keeping the focus firmly on the beer. There’s a mix of finger food like Mezze platters,chicken wings,along with Italian and Indian main courses. To add to the causal appeal of the place,the music played veers between house and light rock. It’s certainly a place worth raising a toast to.

Meal for two: Rs 750-800 Location: SCO 358,Sector 9,Panchkula Contact: 0172-4026666