the bar of Studio 6 in Gabriel’s Wharf is set up with some beers that are less frequently available on draught like Sagres, Moretti, Alhambra, Hoegaarden, Orchard Pig Cider, Fruli Strawberry Beer. Ale aficionados will be pleased to know that Studio 6 are also working towards some of their own vintages that will make a great addition to their regular and guest drinks. Go along and speak to the team there if you are interested in craft beers as they share the passion and are happy to talk beer all day long.
Anibal, manager of Studio 6, is continuing his pursuit of perfect beers by attending sessions at Bermondsey and Brixton brewing labs where the amateur, enthusiast or aspiring professional are taught the art of beer-making and can create their own combinations. On my visit this time Anibal brought out ten brown bottles, a bunch of tasting glasses, a bottle opener and a file of production notes. Then, one of the finest jobs in the world began: tasting.
Anibal and his latest batch of creations
“then, one of the finest jobs in the world began: tasting
It was a fine and democratic afternoon; Fernando, Anibal’s right hand man in the bar/restaurant, tried some of the latest batches and the waiting staff were also invited to taste several and comment on, for example, the levels of spice in Anibal’s ‘chilli brew’ or the strength of a number of pale ales. By mid-afternoon when demands on the kitchen eased Alex, the big chef at Studio 6, joined in too. We both agreed, and urged Anibal, to consider developing a mead (a honey based brew) which is hard to find anywhere and conjures up an heroic age.
For what it is worth my favourite of the current batch were these:
Black IPA 5.6% alcohol
With flavours of liquorice, chocolate and with more fizz than a typical stout or porter ale
Brown Ale 4.9% alcohol
Biscuity and somewhat like a Newcastle brown Ale or a clear Theakston’s ale
Witbier 5.6% alcohol
Citrus flavours and made with kaffir leaves was reminiscent of a Belgian monastery beer
IPA 3.5% alcohol
A funky taste, slightly sweet with long lasting taste and easy to quaff
Un-named and as yet unpolished, each of these show great promise and I look forward to seeing their next generation of draughts in the autumn. See you there?
STUDIO 6
Gabriel’s Wharf
56 Upper Ground
London
SE1 9PP
t: 020 7928 6243
w: www.studio6restaurant.com
