Sandcastles and craft beer in a child-friendly brewpub

Child-friendly beer gardens are not something you hear about much – in fact it's usually presumed that little people are best left at home if parents are consuming alcohol. But at a visit to the Brlo brewpub in Berlin recently, a large play sandpit was a distinctive feature of its outdoor area.

It can be tricky being out in the world with children – constant negotiations, emergency toilet stops, inexplicable tantrums – not to mention the difficulty of getting them to sit at a table for any length of time. Being able to keep your child entertained for a short while so you can finish your lunch or sip a glass of beer (and maybe even have a conversation) is a real luxury.

Brlo – which is the old Slavic name for Berlin – is in Gleisdreieck, which was a no-man’s land for many years after the second World War. It was also a railway intersection, and a raised line runs above the huge public park and playgrounds that have now found their home there.

Gypsy brewers

Made out of 38 shipping containers, the modular style of the Brlo Brewhouse and its rows of grey benches and deck chairs, certainly makes for a change from the traditional German beer garden.

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Founded in 2014, Brlo operated as gypsy brewers for many years until setting up their home here in 2017. There’s an indoor bar, open in the evenings, and an outdoor one with a smaller beer list and American-style menu with ribs, Philly cheese steaks and macaroni cheese.

Brlo’s German IPA was hazy, malty and a little disappointing for me, though their pale ale was more enjoyable, light-bodied and easy going. The winner was their light, crisp and refreshing Helles – but you wouldn’t expect any less in the home of quality lager.

@ITbeerista beerista@irishtimes.com