The Local Pub Athens, Greece

My full stomach and wet shoes squished their way across the courtyard from Bites and Pints and into The Local Pub as the heavy rain changed to drizzle. The room wasn't too crowded, but several of the seats at the bar were taken. We headed to the long cushioned bench that runs along the opposite corner of the room to sit next to each other at a table. Then I headed over to the twenty taps to take a look at what kind of trouble I could get myself into. There were some Irish classics like Guinness and Kilkenny, new popular UK brewers like Buxton, Thornebridge, Beaverton, and Weird Beard as well as a few Greek micros like Siris available. I asked if they had a tap list to save myself a few trips of wandering up and down the bar looking at tap handles, but was informed that they don't because of the constantly changing line up. I decided to have Fade to Black from Weird Beard at the end of the bar. I was offered the choice of a full or half pint for 7 or 5 euro, so I went for the full.

Strange music played over the stereo which was some kind of old jazz and blues which might have matched the mood of the rainy night but didn't inspire my spirit. It was the first bar I went to in Athens where I didn't care for the music. More people came in as I made my way through my pint and empty tables and chairs became a rarity. It was slightly chilly and the dark room felt kind of heavy. It seemed like this bar wasn't used to rainy nights.

My pint was mysteriously empty, so I decided to fill it up again. This time I only took one trip around the tap handles before deciding to go with Buxton Stronge Extra Stout. I didn't know much about the beer, but I've really liked all the beer I've tried from Buxton and a stout seemed like the answer to my cold dark night. No tables were left as the volume of the voices raised. Greek basketball played on the tv but no one seemed to pay it any attention. I sipped my beer and sank into the green cushion to reflect on Irish bars and how they find themselves in cities across the world.

The tap list is definitely impressive at the Local Pub. If you want to try some Greek craft beer they will have a few options, or if you want to try some of the best UK beers those are available too. The atmosphere wasn't great, but it was inviting enough. I would have liked for the beer to be served in glasses other than just a pint or half pint. Prices aren't cheap but considering that these are actual pints €7 is quite reasonable. The Local Pub is a journey from the center of Athens, so I could understand not coming here, especially if you have access to some of the impressive options on draft where you live. If you are just searching for Greek craft beer there are better options in the city center. But if you need a bit of Ireland in Athens with a pint of some the best UK brews out there you have found your place.

Overall: 8/10

Share on Google Plus

About averageguysguidetobeer

Hi, I'm Colin, I love a good hoppy IPA, but I can find immense enjoyment in a solid session beer, imperial stout, quadrupel or a nostalgic beer from my past.