What does a typical Bengali want after a long week of staring at screens and scrolling through excel sheets? A great getaway. Long Boat Brewing Company offers just that. This four-month-old microbrewery transports weary diners to a different world of Vikings, helping them forget the monotonous routine of hustling culture.
Located in Marathahalli, this place is not far from Ironhill Bengaluru, another huge water hole. And this is where their pièce de résistance helps them stand apart.
A 30-foot man-made waterfall is occupying the center-stage, giving the place an instantly serene and calm atmosphere. Almost zen like, with the addition of jazz from an extensive and delectable menu.
We start with a beer sampler, a great option for connoisseurs and connoisseurs alike. The devil really is in the details. So these miniatures come to us in a boat-shaped tray, a smaller version of the massive decor piece that forms the wall near the entrance.
“The name Longboat resembles the journey that the Vikings would take to conquer the world and celebrate. It resembles the Scandinavian surroundings with respect to water bodies, waterfalls and elements of nature through the journey,” said one of the six partners in the restaurant One Vinay Chandrasekhar explains.
Brewers are creative and choosing a full-sized pint is a tough choice. There’s a Strawberry Cream Ale (a February special), a molasses-flavored one, a Chocobar Stout, and more. Not only seasoned beer lovers are in for a treat, newcomers are too if they keep an open mind. And to make it easy, Long Boat has crafted a Zero Zero IPA. “Inspired by New England Indian Pale Ales, this beer has no hops added to the brew, meaning it has zero bitterness. The idea is to introduce Indian customers to IPAs,” says Chandrasekhar.
Like the beer, the cocktails do not disappoint. Favorites include: Scandinavian Skies and Sentimental. Well-crafted, smooth, and aesthetic, the drinks make for good weekend getaways and fun Instagram documentation any day of the week.
For nibbles, we start with the paneer pepper fry – soft cubes of paneer covered in a marinade and ghee fry chicken, which stays true to its origins, thanks to the use of Kundapura spices. Best accompanied by a refreshing pint. Also a great pairing with drinks Salty The thali, with an assortment of some classic ‘touches’, makes Congress’ peanuts disappear in mere minutes. It makes us want to try the Congress Crostini next time, which is their take on the quintessential Bengali Congress bun. The sliders are filled with spicy peanut and green chile butter. However, between the plain peanuts of the platter and this inventive dish, we prefer the former, where the peanuts are no more than bread.
Panko Crusted Chicken Strips
From the North-West Frontier to South India and from Asian countries to Italy, the food menu covers cuisines from all of them and is extensive – there is something here for everyone.
Red Sichuan Crispy Corn
A place best enjoyed when you have a few hours and friends (pets are welcome too), it’s the only way to do justice to all the offerings. Especially sweets.
Three we recommend: Ferrero Rocher Entremete – A sure hit with any chocolate lover, the hazelnut mousse is creamy and smooth. For those who prefer something a little less decadent, Hasta la Pista has a milder and more subtle sweetness. think of it as a Rasmalai Tres meets leches, it’s the perfect high note to end the meal on.
Beer is a kid favorite at Long Boat Brewing Company, so it’s no surprise that it gets a mention in the dessert section as well. If you’re feeling experimental, try the biramisu – a longboat special with traditional tiramisu accompanied by in-house crafted stout beer.
While the present is smooth sailing, the future is looking bright too. Chandrasekhar says, “Once our brand is established and all necessary permissions and restrictions can be obtained from the government, we would love to expand our distribution channels to kegging beer and see ourselves in multiple bars across the city “
Also a bottling plant is on their radar. With plans to sell and distribute premium packaged craft beer to the domestic market, it is safe to say that Long Boat Brewing Company is here for the long run.
Hits: Chicken Ghee Roast, Namkeen Platters, Scandinavian Skies
Miss: Congress Crostini, Menshinkai Bajji
Wallet Factor: For two: ₹2,300 – ₹2,400 (with alcohol)