Arrow Factory has been around for a while now, but the microbrewery’s first fully blown taproom and restaurant has been a long time coming. From the short-lived collaboration with Shunyi’s Charcoal to the popular but tiny tasting room off Wudaoying Hutong, finding a solid foundation in the heart of Beijing didn’t exactly happen overnight.

We are happy to report that Arrow Factory’s brews are now dependably on-point. Most likely due to large demand and a small brewing operation, distributed Arrow Factory at bars around town was inconsistent at best. With huge new tanks and downtown digs, that should now be a thing of the past.

Everything we try here is well-poured, fresh, properly chilled and without a hint of improper carbonation. We recommend the Two Birds Lager for something light, the Pilgrim’s Progress Amber Ale for a beer in between and the Seeing Double IPA if youwant to go big. The staff are knowledgeable and eager to help you sample your way through the beers.

The food menu is all about meat, with the hand of owner Will York, who also runs English sausage fest Stuff’d, clearly at work. The sausages are hard to beat, from the North African beef merguex to the classic English banger with herbs and even a Beglian saucisse de choux with carrot, onion and fresh marjoram. Served with battered chips, beer-caramelised onions and salad, they are full-on meals, not just beer bites. The steak sandwich and Reuben are even better, but both would benefit from even more meat, even if it meant a higher price tag.

Even before you consider the reliably tasty brews, central location and gorgeous rooftop terrace, it’s worth stopping by for the food alone. Arrow Factory Taproom is a fine example of working on a formula until you get it just right. Looks like competition in Beijing’s craft beer scene is really starting to heat up.

Address: Liangmahe Nan Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区亮马河南路

Source: timeoutbeijing.com