7 Rivers Brewing Co, MG Road, Bangalore Microbrewery

Restaurant Name: 7 Rivers Brewing Co, MG Road, Bangalore
Phone: +91 8068976424
Address: 41/3, Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Yellappa Garden, Yellappa Chetty Layout, Sivanchetti Gardens, Bangalore, Karnataka 560001 India
Time: 12:00 PM – 12:00 Midnight
Meals for two: Rs. 1800 / Rs. 275 for a pint of beer
Cuisines: Finger Food, Continental
Facilities: Serves Alcohol, Free Parking, Craft Beer, Poolside, Indoor Seating, Wifi, Valet Parking Available, Outdoor Seating, Live Music, Table booking recommended, Smoking Area

7 Rivers Brewing Co, MG Road, Bangalore: About

The Taj MG Road’s nightlife destination, Ice, which seemed to lose its sheen over time, has been replaced by a brand new offering – the 7 Rivers Brewing Co. It takes up the space previously occupied by Ice and now sprawls around the pool, making this a refreshingly different setting for a microbrewery in the heart of town. There is indoor seating, too in a warm, wood-hued area, but the poolside is the place to be, particularly on summer evenings.

There are six to eight craft beers on tap at any point. The American Pale Ale is crisp and vibrant and the Chocolate Coffee Stout (both ₹250 for 330 ml) is for those who like the deep, dark notes of coffee and cocoa. The Salted Lime Gose (₹ 275 for 330ml) has a pleasing citrus sharpness, perfect for this weather.

The 7 Rivers bar also stocks a range of wines and spirits and shakes up an array of cocktails, both classic and in-house creations, such as the Bespoke (₹ 700), of vodka, elderflower and rose syrup, lime juice and Fernet Branca that comes in a rose petal-encrusted glass.

The food menu is compact and competently put together. There are mini bites such as Masala Papad with Guac and Tomato Salsa (₹ 150) and Vegetable Crisps (₹ 225) served with chives and sour cream. My pick of this selection was the Brewmaster’s Basket (₹ 350), which included a salt pretzel that took you back to the biergartens of Berlin.

Then there are the small plates — Guntur Chilli Fish (₹ 450), inspired by local bar food, Tangra Chilli Chicken (₹ 375) and Pulled Pork with sesame pav (₹495), which I thoroughly enjoyed.

For something light, yet packed with flavor I recommend the Thai Tenderloin Salad (₹ 295). The meat was perfectly cooked and sliced, the dressing refreshing and with a hefty chilli hit, all of it enlivened by an abundance of fresh herbs.

The small selection of main courses includes comfort foods, running the gamut from Shepherd’s Pie (₹ 525) to Beer Beef Stew (₹ 525) and good old Mac and Cheese (₹ 375).

The Malai Chops and Bailey’s Rabdi (₹ 275) which I was recommended for dessert was the one off-note of the afternoon; neither the flavors nor the textures of this innovation worked for me.

If you are looking for an outdoor experience with some pleasant beers and food that hits the spot, you should head to 7 Rivers Brewing Co on MG Road.

7 Rivers Brewing Co, Bangalore: Revisited – 03/03/2023

This space in the heart of town is the result of a collaboration between the makers of 7 Rivers craft beer and Taj Hotels, a first time arrangement for the hotel chain. Few microbreweries in Bengaluru have the luxury of such a
setting. 7 Riversflows around the pool and is quite lovely both by day and night. I was here on a sunny afternoon and sat poolside. There was a breeze and it was most pleasant.

My friend, a beer aficionado, ordered the American Pale Ale, declaring it very drinkable. I decided on a cocktail christened Ginanas with gin and homemade pineapple soda. It did not taste of pineapple and didn’t have much fizz either. Next time, I will stick with the beer. The seasonal beer on offer was a pomeloflavoured brew.

We ordered Jamon Croquettes to start with. My expectation was of lots of ham, folded into a thick béchamel sauce, maybe, to become all oozy and crunchy. When the dish arrived, there were only miserly amounts of cured meat in a pasty mixture with no hint of the promised Cheddar. The staff replaced it with a Mushroom Croquette; it was a significant improvement.

Next, we had the Asian Sticky Spareribs that came on a mound of perfectly nice mashed potato along with some coleslaw. The ribs had spent way too much time either roasting or braising. They were overcooked and had no pleasing mouthfeel or texture. The Meatloaf was similarly afflicted, and any flavour it had was lost in the baby food consistency.

The Bockwurst &was the best thing I tasted that afternoon. The sausage was of good quality and came with a well-made potato salad and a bottle of mustard on the table. I had a palm jaggery ice cream to round off the meal, turning down the more popular Malai Chops – a sort of rosogolla – in Bailey’s Rabdi.

Taj MG Road has a good thing here – the perfect al fresco setting and good beer. The menu is compact enough for individual dishes to get more attention in a quest for perfection.

I would go here for the ambience, the beer and the Bockwurst.