Country Pub Desture : The Bottom Line
I had a wonderful time at Country Pub Desture – it’s such a great little place that I will definitely be going back again. No doubt by the time this review has come out, I will have returned to this place. It’s a sanctity in the middle of nowhere though so be prepared to travel. Without resorting to hyperbole, Country Pub Desture is everything those British pubs in Japan are trying to be – friendly, warm, easy going. The whole place is non-smoking, has no table, as well as some free wifi. And if you drink too much or miss the train, then there are also some rooms for you to stay in.
Country Pub Desture : Background
I had heard about this place from a dear friend – thanks Hiro! – and had been meaning to get to Country Pub Desture for a while. However, to say it’s off the beaten track is an understatment. The pub is located in Yaga village, a small area located in the Yamakita area of Ashigara city. The owner was on a homestay in the UK during the 80s, and came across some London pubs, which he fell in love with. He then spent many a weekend visiting these UK country pubs, before returning back to Japan.
Country Pub Desture opened in 2005, and since then, has been offering up UK style beers and food, with the same kind of atmosphere found in many country pubs. It’s about a 10 minute walk from Yaga station, which is located on the JR Gotemba line, which ones from Kozu to Numazu.
Country Pub Desture : Atmosphere & Interior
As you approach Country Pub Desture, you’re walking through a valley that is adorned by trees either side, and a river running by the bar. On the day we went, it was absolutely hammering it down with rain, but as we approached the bar, we could see smoke eminating from the chimney stack! Yes, there is a huge log file, well huge by Japanese standards, as you walk into the bar, and that’s the only smoking allowed in the bar.
Stepping inside, you’re greeted by wood, wall decorations, and football memorabilia. Though the owner is a Liverpool fan – there’s no helping some people I guess – there are scarves and shirts from other teams in the UK. The benches and tables have all been sourced from the UK, and it really does feel like you’ve been transported to the UK countryside. There’s space inside for around 20 people, and it can be a tight fit, so be prepared to share tables with others. Moreover, there is an outside deck for people to use, but alas, on the day we went the rain made it water logged so instead we plumped ourselves next to the burning log fire. There is no table charge here, and there is also some free wifi.
Country Pub Desture : Beer & Tap Information
There are usually five taps of beer on at Country Pub Desture, with a couple of taps for some local craft beer, and some other beers on. However, two of the taps had been drunk dry by people the previous day – thanks again Chris and Hiro. The beers come in two sizes : smart point (330 ml) from ¥880, and then UK pints (568 ml) from ¥1,150, with those prices including tax. There isn’t a beer flight option though, nor is there any option of an all-you-can-drink plan.
Country Pub Desture : Food & Menu Information
The food at Country Pub Desture is based around UK pub grub, though the menu on the day we went had just a couple of options – fish and chips, sausages and mash, and an Irish stew option, so vegetarians may be out of luck here. In spite of this, there is a bakery next door that has some bread available for purchase, so vegetarians may have some options there, depending on the time of day. The menus had enough English to order from them, and the owner does understand English, though he much preferred to use Japanese.
Country Pub Desture : Bar Details
- Open : Weekdays 17:00 – 21:00 (L.O Food 20:00 Drinks 20:30) Saturdays 15:00 – 22:00 (L.O Food 21:00 Drinks 21:30) Sundays 11:00 – 18:00 (L.O Food 17:00 Drinks 17:30)
- Closed : Mondays though check the homepage
- Happy Hour : –
- Phone : 0465-43-8190
- Homepage (in Japanese) : https://desture-group.com/category/englishpub/
- Social Media : Instagram
