Sneak Preview of Brian McKenna's New Gastropub Has Our Taste Buds on Alert

Beijing foodies are hotly anticipating the September 18 official opening of Brian McKenna's latest project, Molly Malone's Gastropub & Grill. And judging by what was on display at the new venue's sneak peak soft opening party last night (Sep 12), lovers of top-flight gourmet-inspired pub fare will not be disappointed.

The British-born McKenna, who has moved from strength to strength with high-end eateries in Beiing such as ROOMbmk and Brian McKenna @The Courtyard, returns to his roots by revamping this UK style pub, which has stood outside the Legendale Hotel in the Wangfujing area but to date has not gained a massive following.

McKenna has entirely redone with menu, giving its previously uninspired pub grub the gourmet treatment. He serves up savory sausages with tantalizingly tart mustard on the side, heavenly textured beef cheek and tail pie, and unimaginably tender burgers laced with bacon and wedged between two halves of a cushiony soft buns.

To wash those delectable-yet-accessible eats down, McKenna offers a variety of wines, draft beers and his very own Molly Malone's Gastropub & Grill IPA, which is bitter enough to set one’s palate alight, while also boasting an enticingly spicy aftertaste.

That British pub flavor is carried over to the venue's decor and atmosphere, which is comprised of cozy nookish booths, softwood grain floors and surfaces, gleaming stain glassed windows, and the intoxicating sound of golden blonde bombshell Diana Hubei and her band, who played jazzy renditions of pop hits (a live band will be a staple of Molly Malone's new concept).

The artisan grub, suds and atmosphere are bound to make Molly Malone's a massive draw for Beijingers who crave a casual yet classy destination.   

Stay tuned for the relaunch of Molly Malone's this Friday (Sep 18) at the Legendale Hotel, 90 Jinbao Jie, Dongcheng District. Call 6522 7258 or visit here for more details.

Images courtesy of Molly Malone's