premier‐bar

This is a long overdue review of the Premier Bar. I am passionate about Kyoto but I have really explored the bars in this beautiful city. One beautiful night in September, after having dinner at the Cube, my friend and I wandered around on the main street trying to look for a place to sit down for ...a drink. We walked aimlessly and suddenly my friend decided to look at google map to see what's available. We decided on checking out the Premier Bar and it was probably the best decision we made on the day. The bar is quite easy to find, it is about 5-7 minutes walk from the Kyoto station. We went up to the 2nd floor greeted by 2 bartenders. I ordered a Nergoni and the bartender (David) asked is there a particular style of gin that I like. I asked him to recommend since I prefer to try something new or uncommon. He used the Kanomori Gin from Yomeishu, it is supposed to be infused with kuromoji which is a native shrub in Japan. To my nose, the gin smells piney, citrusy and the typical juniper scent. It is a pretty good gin and well balanced with the Negroni. We sat there for a while and I asked David where would he recommend to go if I am to make a special outdoorsy hiking day trip. He suggested Kurama and the rest is history as I went and had a jolly good hike. I fell in love with the Premier Bar. The bartenders are friendly and helpful. It is also a good place to go even if you are traveling alone as David gives pretty good travel advice on the city. Enjoy!

Visited September 2019

We barhopped our way to this place a the surprise was great, we had the best gin tonics of our lives! We ended up going there twice. David, the Barman, was warm, knowledgeable and most importantly: he transmitted the passion he feels about his job and made us feel welcome and have fun. I strongly re...commend the Ki No Bi gin perfumed with Yuzu, a tangerine-like japanese fruit.

Visited October 2019

The interior of this izakaya was very comfortable and warm. Our friends from Kyoto took care of the ordering, and the results were great. Many small plate dishes, mostly cooked food, and all were wonderful. The sake menu was varied and we enjoyed a few types! Salad is now available (referred to as "...healthy food" each time by our friends and also the servers) and we had a nice ceasar-inspired creation with prosciutto. All-in-all an intimate little place with good food and sake, and close to Kyoto Station.

Visited January 2016