Look like my Invasion of the Gastropub post is once again relevant as it looks like St. Louis has another gastropub soon to be in it’s midst. Wm Shakespeare’s Gastropub at 601 North Grand Avenue is now open and is offering another option to get your British beer and food fix.

Offering what looks to be kicked up pub fare for lunch or dinner after or before a show, Wm. Shakespeare’s looks to try to be providing a traditional pub atmosphere near the theater district. But what about the beer? It looks again like Wm. Shakespeare’s is going traditional:

• Tennents Lager
• Harp Lager
• Bass Pale Ale
• Schlafly Pale Ale
• Boddintons Ale
• Hobgoblin Ruby Beer
• Fullers ESB
• Newcastle Brown Ale
• Guinness Stout
• Strongbow Cider

While maybe not the most exciting list of all time, in fact the list looks like a smaller version of the list at the Scottish Arms, it does seem relatively authentic which once again provides for a total experience. I even enjoy the addition of the Schlafly Pale Ale, as Schlafly make a very nice sessionable British style Pale Ale (even if Wm. Shakespeare’s spells “Schlafly” wrong on their website.) I would have liked to have seen at least one offering from O’Fallon, because while they may not make an English style beer, part of the enjoyment of a gastropub is offering local beers from the area. But perhaps this isn’t the whole list, so I wouldn’t be too quick to judge, quite yet.

I’m quite curious to check this place out now that it’s open. If someone beats me over there please give a full report.

Been a very busy week around here at STL Hops. Plenty of really interesting developments, I’ve got a lot planned for next week as well, so stay tuned. On to the Round-Up:

Stuff from around the web

• Ian alerted all of us to the opening of a second Tin Can Tavern location. If you didn’t see it, here’s my review of the original.
• Anheuser-Busch is shipping more beer to wholesalers.
• Jeannette is ready for Cabin Fever!
• Joe Bonwich visits the Newstead Tower Public House.
• Year of Beer blog also recently had the Smoked Porter from Schlafly.

Beer Releases and News

• Andrew from Bon Vivant Wines informs me to some new beers he has in his stock:
  • Brasserie Dupont - Avec Les Bon Voeux
  • Avery Brewing Company - The Czar
• Paul at The Wine and Cheese Place in Clayton alerts me to some new beers he has in stock:
  • Anheuser Busch - Wild Blue Blueberry Lager
  • Anheuser Busch - Shock Top Belgian White

Here’s a list of upcoming beer events:

• Jan 16 - O’Fallon Beer Dinner at Newstead Tower Pub
• Jan 19 - Cabin Fever: Schlafly Winter Beer Festival
• Jan 19 - Beer Tasting at Rendezvous Cafe & Wine Bar
• Feb 29 - New Belgium Beer Dinner at Whole Foods

As always, if you’re interested in promoting an event or a new beer you’ve seen, feel free to drop me a line at mike@stlhops.com.

Way back when (ok, only about 2 months ago) I talked about the Gastropub’s invasion into our fair town. Now that I think about it, invasion sounds like a bad thing and more beer places are never a bad thing.

Anyway, Ian let’s us all know that the Newstead Tower Public House opens this evening.

Here is their website, if you happen to go, please let me know how your experience was.