{"id":71812,"date":"2016-03-15T17:03:43","date_gmt":"2016-03-15T08:03:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/?post_type=food&p=71213"},"modified":"2019-09-18T19:36:55","modified_gmt":"2019-09-18T10:36:55","slug":"the-hakata-harp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/en\/the-hakata-harp\/","title":{"rendered":"The Hakata Harp"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The Hakata Harp is a surprisingly authentic Irish pub, particularly given that it\u2019s 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\u2019re 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 \u00a5750 to \u00a52,300: 18 from three Irish breweries \u2013 ten from Midleton, four from Cooley and another four from Old Bushmills \u2013 as well as a further 14 under the header \u201cOther Whiskies\u201d; 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 \u2013 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 \u2013 unlike in Ireland or the UK \u2013 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 \u00a5850. 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 \u00a5580 for a pint (\u00a5380 for a half pint). With an English menu and English-speaking staff, this is a great place to unwind after a hard day\u2019s work, to chill on a lazy Sunday or just to visit if you\u2019re craving something a bit different from your local izakaya.<\/em><\/p>\n

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