Peat's Tavern

By Adam Miller

Japan, it would seem, has more Irish bars than Ireland does. And while most tend to have fizzy Guinness and soggy fish & chips, there are a few really decent pubs in Nagoya, one of which is located right near Nagoya Station, nestled on a street corner behind the big Hub. From the outside, Peat's Tavern looks pretty small and quaint, but the place really opens up when you step inside, where the thick wooden tables and bar are set off nicely with Irish memorabilia and personal messages scribed on the walls and ceiling by satisfied customers.

There are two main areas in Peat's. The bulk of the pub is for what we all do best in pubs... drinking. Here you'll find rustic tables and seats as well as a small area for bands to play (this normally happens on Monday nights and is free). The second area is at the back of the Tavern: six tables and chairs so comfortable that when you leave, your arse will want to be left behind. This is the best area in which to grab a bite to eat from the authentic and reasonably-priced menu. I only had time to get the fish & chips, but they were bloody good! Rightly proud of their grub, Peat's told me they have two head chefs, one of whom specializes in Italian food while the other is a master of French cuisine. That may seem like an odd partnership for an Irish tavern, but let me assure that the results speak for themselves.

The drinks are even better. The bar staff were all to keen to tell me why their Guinness is (arguably) the best in Nagoya: Apparently they not only import the Guinness from Ireland, but they also have specially-made equipment to keep the liquid at the ideal temperature, so it will taste perfect every time you buy a pint. (It costs ¥500 for a half-pint and ¥900 for a full one, which is pretty much the exact same price as every other Guinness in Nagoya.)

It's not only the Guinness that Peat's are keen to boast about, but also their Irish whiskey collection, which is as cheap as ¥600 per measure. Plus, they have loads of bourbon, whisky (no "e" for real Scottish stuff), vodka and brandy. If you're a bit more of a party animal than I am (not difficult), then there are wines, cocktails and some pretty awe-inspiring concoctions that will not only put a spring in your step but hairs on your chest. The best of these is The Irish Car Bomb - half a pint of Guinness fused with Baileys...

Peat's Tavern can rightly claim to be one of Nagoya's best Irish bars. It's a nice place to enjoy your favorite tipple and listen to free music; it's comfortable, serene and welcoming. The drinks are as authentic as you could wish for, the food is great, and the bar staff are friendly and helpful. You can either go to Peat's during the week and enjoy a quiet drink, or head there at the weekend for the craic. Either way, you'll have a good time.

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