Berestroika


I decided to visit the Berestroika microbrewery on Saturday afternoon.  Logic was that, being in a busy downtown location near lots of government offices, it'd be quieter at the weekend.  How true that was. 


 Tucked behind the main courthouse is Berestroika, on Aleea Căuzași , No. 57.  It was quiet.  It's a fair sized building with a large outdoor courtyard.   There was only two other tables occupied, two chaps having beer and a couple drinking wine (?)




Inside, up the steps in the picture, is the restaurant, brewery and bar.  I met Andre, the brewer who generously gave me samples of each of the four beers they brew there.  They don't keg or bottle it, this is the only outlet.  The owner, Anita, kindly gave me a guided tour of the brewery including the restaurant in the cellar which looked a great place for a night out (see 4th picture).


They serve four unfiltered beers, Whitie (wheat), Blondie (a Pilsner),  Rosie (red) and Blackie (yes, a Porter).   At 12 Lei (GBP 2.30)/400 ml they were priced reasonably considering the location. I meant to ask how much a 'metre' holds but forgot.  For another visit. 

 The Rosie (5.5%) was a little disappointing, quite tart and lacking in body but the Whitie (4%) and the Blondie (4.5%) were very good.  They tasted pretty fresh (not a surprise).  The Blackie was a heavier 7.2% beer and probably the best of them if you like Porter. 

The cellar - looks good for a night out.  

 The bar specialises in Indian-themed from Anita and her husband following their heritage.  Anita explained that the challenges in such a set up in Bucharest seem never ending with many regulations to follow (e.g. fire permits) but with no infrastructure to support the regulations. 
Seems you have to be very patient in order to get such a set up as at Berestroika. 



So, a good place and worth a visit.  Sounds like it gets very busy in the evenings (fully booked for Saturday night).  The beers were fairly standard in variety but tasted good.  Situated just off Bulevardul Unirii, it's easy to find. 

 Andre and Anita were justifiably proud of their microbrewery and restaurant. 

 I recommend a visit to Berestroika to any craft ale enthusiast in Bucharest


Postscript: In autumn 2019, I revisited Berestroika.  It was undergoing renovations and seemed to be suffering.  The beer seemed stale and very disappointing.   Will give it a miss for some time...






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