A newcomer to Siem Reap’s drinking scene is developing a reputation for tasty microbrews and a chilled atmosphere

Tucked away on a quiet, leafy Siem Reap street, is an oasis – a refuge from the dust, the humidity and the city’s everyday bedlam.

But for the beer lover, this watering hole promises more than a relaxing atmosphere.

The Siem Reap Brewpub, situated on Street 5, just one block back from the river, and a few blocks from the hubbub of Pub Street, specialises in craft beer.

It’s four brews – Blonde Ale, Golden Ale, Amber Ale and Dark Ale – are made on site and served in a comfortable setting overlooking a large fishpond.

Customer Alida Kalejs visited the Brewpub for the first time last month and said it was a great venue to meet up with friends to spend an afternoon or evening.

“I’m not usually a beer drinker, but I thought I would try the tasting tray of their four beers and, much to my surprise, I really enjoyed the dark ale the most,” she said.

“It had a chocolate-like flavour and was less bitter.“The food was very tasty too.”

Indeed, the food and setting has a very upmarket feel, but the prices vary, catering to most budgets, with meals starting at about $6 and going up to around $19.

The beers and the tasting tray are all $3 – with a discount during happy hour.

A spokesperson for the Brewpub, who declined to be named, said the owner lived in Australia for 10 years where homebrew was a hobby, and on returning to Cambodia, he wanted to open a microbrewery.

After getting in touch with Neo Sway See, a brew master from Singapore, he opened the doors to Brewpub Siem Reap in April, with the four craft beers exclusive to this venue.

The Brewpub is still something of a well-kept secret in Siem Reap, but with excellent service, unique and tasty beers and delicious food, the secret will soon be out.

Sam Walker