RVK Brewery plans downtown Reykjavik brewpub

RVK Brewery plans to open a brewpub on Pósthússtræti in central Reykjavik, in premises previously occupied by Kaffibrennslan and several bars and restaurants, mbl.is reports. The brewery took over the space late this summer and hopes to open once it has secured all the necessary permits.

Owner Sigurður Pétur Snorrason said the venue will have 20 beer taps and the brewery’s hand pump, which he described as the only one in Iceland. It will also serve other drinks and light snacks. The bar will have close ties with the owners and operators of Hotel Borg.

RVK Brewery already runs a popular brewpub in Skipholt. Its venue at Tónabíó, which has been open for two years, has seen strong growth, Snorrason said, and will continue operating alongside the new downtown location.

Snorrason said opening in the former Kaffibrennslan premises felt appropriate because it was where he first tasted what he considered real beer in Iceland. Kaffibrennslan opened before the turn of the century and offered a wide selection of bottled beers from different countries. The most recent business in the premises was Bad Mickey; before that, it housed the jazz bar Skuggabaldur and, for many years, Íslenski barinn.

Asked whether he was concerned about the challenges other businesses had faced at the address, Snorrason pointed to Kaffibrennslan’s long run. He said the aim was to create a relaxed atmosphere where people could try the brewery’s beers.