Small World : The Bottom Line
I liked Small World a lot – a small cosy bar, with some good tunes playing, with a simple selection of beers on tap with enough variety on there to keep most people happy. The downside is that the place is tiny, so you may not get in, but that’s the risk you take, and it’s a little bit on the pricey side but not much. If you’re hungry, there’s a couple of selections on offer, but better to eat before coming here. The whole place is non-smoking and has no table charge.
Small World : The Full Write Up
During my walk from Sangen-jaya to Shimo-Kitazawa, Google Maps through up a craft beer bar that I had not heard of before. Small World, located smack dab in the middle between those two districts, is both a record shop and a cafe, though it was the beer selection that got me.
Small World is located ten minutes from Sangen-jaya station, just off one of the main roads and since opening in November 2016, has hosted a few local indie nights
Small World : Atmosphere & Interior
Saying Small World is a small place would be an understatement – it probably gives Gotsubo in Ikebukuro, Tokyo a run for its money in being the smallest craft beer bar in Tokyo. There is barely any space inside, with seating for 3 people at the bar, and the remainder of the room being set aside for vinyls and a toilet. The building is non-smoking and there is also no table charge.
Though Small World is a predominantly a record shop, there is of course beer on tap but the cool thing about Small World is that the owner encourages you to listen to the music in stock. If you find an album you want to listen to, you can ask to put it on and the background music changes. The selection was primarily Indie and Alternative music, with some experimental records too.
Small World : Approach to Covid-19
There was some alcohol spray. That was it.
Small World : Beer & Tap Information
While Small World is smaller than Big Love Records in Harajuku, Tokyo, the beer selection was much wider and varied, with 5 taps of craft beer on. The system had been built by the owner too. The taps on the day varied between domestic and imports, with domestic taking up most of the taps. The beers came in three sizes: half (245 ml) at 800 yen, regular (473 ml) at 1,000 yen, and then pint (568 ml) at 1,200 yen with imports costing a little bit extra. The beers were poured well, with little head. There was no happy hour, nor any beer flights at Small World. All of the prices included tax.
Small World : Food Information
Small World had a very basic couple of items on sale with some vegan snacks but that was it. If you’re hungry, I suggest you get some food before coming here. The menus are in Japanese, but the owner does speak pretty good English so he can explain things if need be.
Small World : Details
- Open : Weekdays 17:00 – 21:00 (L.O 20:30) Weekends 14:00 – 21:00 (L.O 20:30)
- Closed : Mondays
- Happy Hour : None
- Phone : 03-5787-8806
- Homepage (in Japanese) : https://www.mustdestroy.net/
- Social Media : Facebook / Twitter
