New pub in Itaewon caters to youth

Cargo Draft Housein Itaewon is a pub and restaurant specializing in imported beers and spirits as well as the unique selection from Brew Dog. / Korea Times

By John Redmond

For many, the increase of imported beer to Korea is a much-needed boost to consumer choice and a great alternative to local products. Even the slight increase in price is not seen as a disadvantage, though it’s not always the importer’s choice.

Jimi Fazakerley of JimiJames Incorporated, importer of Scottish beer label Brew Dog, recently opened Cargo Draft House in Itaewon.

The pub and restaurant specializes in an extensive choice of imported beers and spirits as well as the unique selection from Brew Dog. The opening event was to feature two new additions to the Scottish brewer’s label ― Punk IPA (post modern classic pale ale) and Dead Pony Club (Californian pale ale) ― two very fruity beers.

Food, especially Italian style pizza (soft in the middle and crusty at the edges) is also a specialty of Cargo Draft House because Fazakerley worked in London as a pizza chef and ensures the same high standards are met in his kitchen.

“I taught my staff exactly how I was instructed to make pizza. If the food isn’t up to my exact specification, it won’t be served,” he said.

At the opening, Fazakerley also took time to speak about the issues facing foreigners who intend to set up businesses in Korea, starting from when he first applied for a D-8 investment visa.

“I was in Daegu at the time and I was the first foreigner to apply for a D-8 visa. The guy behind the desk didn’t think it was possible. Back then the process took over a year, so I exhausted all my funds. It was tough,” he explained.

He spoke of the high taxes on importing beer, as much as 140 percent.

“We just about break even because of the 140 percent tax we have to pay on our product,” he continued, adding that this high tax gets passed on to the customer.

Brew Dog caters to a very youthful crowd featuring beers with names such as Hardcore IPA, Trashy Blonde and 5a.m. Saint.

The company also produced Sunk Punk, the only beer to have been brewed 10 meters under water off Scotland’s north east rugged coast.

To get to Cargo Draft House leave Itaewon Station (line 6) at exit 3 and walk towards the fire station. Turn right at Mr. Kebab and Cargo Draft House is on the second floor above Goldfish Pond.

For more information Brew Dog visit www.brewdog.com.