“Early to bed, early to rise…”

March 2025. Iaşi. Romania. Yes, we’re not in Kaunas now, Tonto. Iaşi has its share of brutalist housing estates (this one facing the Opera House), but it’s also packed with gorgeous buildings housing smart shops, and speakeasies. There’s some money around in Europe’s fastest growing economy. I always aim to explore the streets of a… Continue reading “Early to bed, early to rise…”

“Atelierul de bere” – As close as Iași gets to a Spoons ?

March 2025. Iași, We conclude our lone night in Romania’s cultural capital, not in the Palace of Culture itself (never made it), but at Iasi’s extraordinarily upmarket Palas shopping mall, and a wander round the boutique stores. The mall (a MUST if you visit) has flashy brewery-run dining pubs, but we’d crossed the road for… Continue reading “Atelierul de bere” – As close as Iași gets to a Spoons ?

“Întunecat” – Romanian craft at Iaşi’s Kaze Taproom

March 2025. Iaşi. Romania. The really notable thing about the craft bars in Eastern Europe is that they’re in the most expensive places in town. I guess with their strong pints (0.4 litres) at £4.50 a pop they’re as aspirational as Beermoth or the Old Shoe in England. Kaze is bang central, opposite the Metropolitan… Continue reading “Întunecat” – Romanian craft at Iaşi’s Kaze Taproom