Tinkoff's Brewery Restaurant

Nestled in across the way from the British Embassy, the modern façade of glass and brick stands out from the older architecture of the older Soviet area. One enters the bi-level establishment and is immediately drawn to the upstairs venue by the bright lights and busy atmosphere. A long bar flanks the rear while reams of 4 and 8 top tables fill in the large main floor. Large screen flat panels feature football (obviously a popular hang out of the embassy folks!) while the décor is largely modern brick, steel and glass. The brewing area is visible behind the bar through large glass panels.

Only Tinkoff brewed beers are available on-tap, poured from simple, non-descript taps. The menu clearly described their selections and the bartender seemed to know his trade. In addition to the usual selections often found on the 8 taps, the summer visit featured a well built Belgian blonde named "White Nights" to coincide with Moscow's famous nocturnal brightness.

The Moscow brewpub is a big place located on a side street just opposite the British embassy. They have a more intimate Bierkeller downstairs, and the big main floor, bar and brew kettles upstairs. The decor is aluminum and glass, but it has a nice feel to it nonetheless. The beer menu is extensive, featuring a Belgian white, golden lager (filtered and unfiltered), pilsner (filtered and unfiltered), dark lager and one seasonal (changes about once a quarter - I've seen a steam beer, a maibock and a winterbrew). The quality is consistently high. The food is standard Russian fare, but reasonably tasty. I come here regularly.