by April Moreno
Every time I walk into Clubhouse, owner Pele Hosking greets me with a warm welcome. Clubhouse is a regular hangout for foreigners and Japanese people of all ages, and Pete makes sure to greet them all, often by name. The layout, with both semi-secluded and spacious tables, is perfect for relaxing and kicking back with friends.
Clubhouse proudly serves a variety of seven English and Belgian beers on tap, and they are one of the few bars in Japan to serve Australian Bundaberg Rum. Stop by for the distinctively flavored ‘Bundy and Coke’ in addition to the full range of popular cocktails, bourbon, etc. Drinks are reasonably priced in the ¥700 to ¥900 range, but if you’re really parched, you can order a huge glass of Asahi for ¥950. The happy hour price for beer on tap is ¥700 and cocktails are a mere ¥500!
TV screens hanging from the walls are placed high enough that even the tallest spectators don’t block the view, and are equipped to broadcast several channels at the same time, so nobody misses out on the action.
The food menu is as varied as it is gourmet (but still affordable since it’s all in the ¥800 to ¥1,000 range), including the succulent Prawns with Vegetables in Basil Sauce on Saffron Rice, the delicately spiced and crispy tender Tandoori Chicken, and the refreshingly light Greek Salad with scrumptious feta cheese. For the adventurous, there is Kangaroo Saikoro Steak. Standard pub fare such as fish and chips and sausage is also available.
On Mondays there is also a darts competition in the bar (¥500 for women and ¥1,000 for men). Every Thursday is Australian Night with Aussie sports on all the screens.
Clubhouse is truly distinctive for both the quality of customer service and its convivial atmosphere. It is one neighborhood pub to be proud of.
Marunaka Bldg. 3F, 3-7-3 Shinjuku. Located near Exit C3 Shinjuku 3-Chome Station.
Tel. 03-3359-7785
Visit www.clubhouse-tokyo.com
