Hopbeat Records WCB : The Bottom Line
Hopbeat Records WCB is a welcome addition to the area and it’s finally nice to see West Coast Brewing showing Tokyo some love with some permanent set ups. Though there isn’t really anything to eat here, there’s plenty enough beer on tap, and in the fridges to pick from. Perhaps the biggest issue you’ll have here is finding somewhere to stand and drink as it’s one of the smallest bars in the area. Outside of that, there’s no table and no smoking, with some free wifi for you to connect to. Just make sure you come with some form of electronic payment mind as this place does not accept cash.
Hopbeat Records WCB : Background
Hopbeat Records WCB is the first of two bars in Tokyo from West Coast Brewing and though the name suggests its focus is on vinyl, and with over 2,000 records to pick from, there’s plenty of beers on offer. It’s location is very close to Tokyo station, with this being located in the Shin-Marunouchi building, which is less than a five minute walk away from the Marunouchi exits of Tokyo station. The name “Hopbeat Records” reflects its theme: a fusion of beer and music — the interior is styled like a record shop, featuring analog records, where staff play background music from the vast vinyl selection.
Hopbeat Records WCB : Atmosphere & Interior
As you approach the bar, you’re greeted by a bunch of standing tables, as well as a small bar counter that you can also stand and drink at. I’d say that the focus of Hopbeat Records WCB is more popping in for a beer or two and shooting off, rather than sitting down and drinking three or four beers. With this in mind, there is no table charge at the bar, and customers are asked to share tables due to the small number of tables available. There is space for around 10 people but you will have to rub shoulders with the people next to you when the bar gets busy.
With over 2,000 records to choose from, the staff have an eclectic range of music to choose from – so it might not always be to your taste. You are free to peruse the vinyls available though be warned, the racks of records do stretch right up to the ceiling, so don’t go climbing the shelves.
Hopbeat Records WCB : Beer & Tap Information
There are six taps of craft beer available at the bar, with all of them dedicated to beers from West Coast Brewing. The beers come in two sizes : glass (240 ml) from ¥1,160, and pint (470 ml) from ¥1,670 with prices including tax. There wasn’t an option for a beer flight though there are cans that can be bought to takeaway, or drink in with a surcharge from ¥200 though I need to check that again because I had started on the imperial stouts and that part of the evening was a tad bit blurry for me by then. There’s no happy hour option though.
Hopbeat Records WCB : Food & Menu Information
Just some simple snacks on the menu so if you’re hungry, then best head elsewhere to fill up. The menus have some rudimentrary English on them – enough to order really – though some of the staff do speak English as well. Just be warned that this place does not accept cash so make sure you have some form of electronic payment with you – credit card or debit card being the best option.
Hopbeat Records WCB : Bar Details
- Open : Monday to Saturday 11:00 – 23:00 (L.O 22:30) Sundays 11:00 – 21:00 (L.O 20:30)
- Closed : –
- Happy Hour : –
- Phone : 03-6206-3737
- Homepage (in Japanese) : https://www.westcoastbrewing.jp/location/hopbeat-records/
- Social Media : Instagram
