The Hakata Harp is a surprisingly authentic Irish pub, particularly given that it’s situated right in the middle of Fukuoka (directly across from Hotel Okura Fukuoka). During construction, they truly went the extra mile by hiring Irish carpenters and importing decorative knick-knacks and antiques directly from the Emerald Isle, including a gorgeous, old Remington typewriter, a black and gold sewing machine, a beat-up, old-fashioned radio and busts of greyhounds. The bar is done up in muted earth tones with flashes of emerald green, murals of Irish workers from back in the day, stained glass window decorations, and a proper wooden pub bar counter. Once a month, they even host a live Celtic music band. Walking in, it does feel like you’re entering a pub in the south of Ireland. The Hakata Harp was one of the first full-on Irish bars in Kyushu when it opened in November 2000, and it remains one of the biggest sellers of Guinness on the island. The relaxed staff are dab hands at pouring a pint of Guinness or Kilkenny, and if you order half and half, they can draw a shamrock in your foam. This pub also offers another very Irish drink: whisky. The Harp offers 32 different whiskies, ranging in price from ¥750 to ¥2,300: 18 from three Irish breweries – ten from Midleton, four from Cooley and another four from Old Bushmills – as well as a further 14 under the header “Other Whiskies”; this includes Japanese whiskies, such as 12-year Yamazaki, which is one of their best sellers. The most popular whisky is Jameson, but rarer and more expensive options are also on hand, such as Midleton Very Rare. There are also numerous cocktails, and some hot drink options during the winter months, such as Irish Coffee – the warm combination of alcohol and caffeine is sure to keep you cozy yet buzzing! Their food menu has a more international flavor, with some classic Irish pub food items, such as fish and chips, but also more European options like ajillo and pizza. The fish and chips comes arrayed like a bouquet, and – unlike in Ireland or the UK – both the fish and the chips are battered. Enjoy them with Heinz gourmet malt vinegar and a hearty pinch of salt. The sausage platter comes with ketchup, but also picked lettuce and cabbage and green French mustard. From Monday to Saturday, you can take advantage of the daily lunch set, which includes one main, a dessert and coffee for just ¥850. Go on the first Sunday of the month to catch the live Celtic music band (noon and evening)! During happy hour (17:00~19:00, Monday to Friday), draft Guinness and Kilkenny are just ¥580 for a pint (¥380 for a half pint). With an English menu and English-speaking staff, this is a great place to unwind after a hard day’s work, to chill on a lazy Sunday or just to visit if you’re craving something a bit different from your local izakaya.
Menu(tax excl.): Guinness ¥900 (pint), ¥580 (half pint), Kilkenny ¥900 (pint), ¥580 (half pint), half and half ¥900 (pint), ¥580 (half pint), Jameson ¥750, Midleton Very Rare ¥2,300, 12-year Yamazaki ¥1,000, Irish Coffee ¥910, fish and chips ¥1,000, sausage platter (5 sausages) ¥1,320, pizza ¥1,000 ~ ¥1,200, gizzard ajillo ¥500, soft shrimp ajillo ¥690, daily lunch set ¥834
*Prices to change from Oct. 1, 2019 following tax increase
Mention Fukuoka Now for 50% off your second drink! (*second drink only, not third! Cannot be used with other discounts)
