Authentic “gastropub” with fresh European brews and classic pub dishes enjoys great popularity in Manila
September 14th, 2012
Recently celebrating its first anniversary, DRAFT GASTROPUB has garnered a strong following in Manila, with its convivial European style of casual dining and beer drinking finding a ready acceptance. New for Manila, the “gastropub” has been a popular concept of dining in major metropolises worldwide in recent years. Serving premium quality European draft beers and an impressive selection of bottled beers- both famous brands such as Paulaner, Stella Artois, Hoegaarden and Leffe, and many lesser known artisan brews- and matched with an authentic menu of hearty European pub dishes- the combination makes a night at DRAFT an enjoyable dining and drinking experience.
DRAFT is located in a street level space at the Fort Strip of the Fort Bonifacio entertainment complex. Created by the team behind such mega- popular Manila nightlife venues as Embassy, Republiq, Opus and The Distillery, DRAFT certainly has strong credentials for success. It is unusual to find the combination of good food and good brews in the same space, and with the culinary team under acclaimed Chef Carlo Miguel creating an enticing menu of authentic pub dishes, beer fans in Manila now have a destination that scores on both fronts. Tables fill rapidly every night, so table reservations are recommended at peak hours.
The entrance to DRAFT – with outdoor tables on timber decking at the front and side
The interior of DRAFT is a large, bright and airy space with a high ceiling and predominantly timber panelled walls. The open-plan design has the bar extending down most of the length of one side wall, and combinations of booth seating and individual tables occupying the floor space. The wooden table and chair settings are styled after the classic European pubs, and the booths feature luxurious green leather upholstery. Shelving that runs the entire length of one wall displays an impressive line-up of beer bottles from around the world.
Some outdoor seating is provided on timber decking across both the frontage of DRAFT, and also down the exterior side of the building.
The main dining room at DRAFT- with booth seating along the wall
View from front entrance with bar counter on left side
The main dining room- full length mirror along the walls adds depth to the space. Oversize blackboard above the mirror with menu details
View down into the main dining floor space- with bar counter on the right
Front section of the bar counter
SIGNATURE DISHES AT DRAFT GASTROPUB
The food menu at DRAFT offers a broad selection of classic European pub dishes. Comfort foods include salads, sandwiches, pastas, burgers, and grills. Highlights from the menu include the always popular Mussel Pots – a traditional Belgian beer house dish perfect for sharing. And the Fish and Frites is another of the all-time favourite European pub meals. Other signature dishes at DRAFT are the Bleu Cheeseburger and the Pork and Fennel Sausages– both generous serves for a robust meal. Steak and Frites is another traditional dish- US Angus beef served with frites, green peppercorn sauce and a side salad.
Desserts include Double Chocolate Fudge Brownie; Sticky Date and Toffee Pudding; and Belgian Waffles.
FISH AND FRITES- Sole fillet in a crunchy Becks beer batter, with salad, frites and tartare sauce
MUSSEL POTS- “ANGRY DRUNK MUSSELS”- steamed with Hoegaarden beer, bacon, chili, onion and fresh parsley. Served with frites and sourdough bread. Half-kilo pot.
BLEU CHEESEBURGER- US Angus beef burger with bleu cheese, onion jam, truffle aioli and frites
PORK AND FENNEL SAUSAGE- grilled with Leffe dark beer and onion gravy, served with creamy mashed potato
THE BAR LIST OF BEERS
DRAFT GASTROPUB – at The Fort in Manila
Address: Unit C, The Fort Entertainment Centre, Bonifacio Global City, 1633. Metro Manila. Philippines
Reservations: +63.917 819 5830
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Draft-Fort-Bonifacio/207726082589002
Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday 11:00 am ~ 2:30 am
Sunday 11:00am ~ 12:0 midnight
Dress Code: Casual
Food images courtesy of venue
