ANT’N BEE RYUDOCHO

Last Updated: 19 September, 2024

Longtime craft beer aficionados in the Kanto region need no introduction to Ant ‘n Bee. The name has been a pillar of the community as far back as 2010, long before the craft beer pub boom of the 2020s. The original location was a must-stop-by venue if in the Roppongi area after dusk, being a convenient quick dash from the main crossing.

It’s then manager, Makiko Kawabe, affectionately known by her friends and regular customers as “Tako-chan”, is a self-admitted beer fan who has visited competitions and festivals in various countries. It was during her travels that she discovered cider and immediately became keen on it, a perfect diversion when she needed a break from beer.

By 2019, Ant ‘n Bee were continually packed, and with the Olympics only a year away, they felt it time for a second shop, with Kawabe prepared to run the show. Her great idea was to make the new place different from the first. The thinking was, since the first shop only showcased Japanese beer, the second shop would focus on foreign imports as well as cider. She chose a spot not too far away, a mere five minutes on foot, so that customers could visit both in a single outing. And thus, Ant ‘n Bee Ryudocho was born.

Ryudocho is the old name where the new store stands, just across the street from Tokyo Midtown. They added the tag so that people could distinguish one store from the other.

Ant ‘n Bee Ryudocho is extremely cosy, an inviting space with enough room to seat thirteen at several small tables and another ten at the counter. Free WiFi and electricity make it an ideal place to bring your laptop and get some work done while you eat and drink. Seasonal foods support a regular menu, with everything prepared by Kawabe, from appetizers to small dishes, both hot and cold. And with a total of 16 taps on offer, one or two for cider, there’s certainly plenty to choose from.

A routine hangout for locals, it’s also the perfect spot for out-of-towners and international tourists to get away from the hustle and bustle of Roppongi. We love it because of the friendly atmosphere, especially Kawabe’s effortless interaction with her customers; there’s always a conversation and laughter going on. Even on your first visit you will feel like you’ve been there before.

When asked about the reaction from her customers to cider, Kawabe says, “Some always drink at least one cider or will try it when a new one’s on tap. And then some never do. But the ones who drink it a lot usually do so in between beers.” She also mentions that her first time cider drinkers usually have an image of cider being a sweet drink, so is happy when she can change their bias before they go home.

Kawabe, who has always worked in the food and beverage industry, is acutely committed to her customers having a welcome experience. That includes mothers, parents and grandparents, which is why she (being a mother herself) installed a nappy changing table in the restroom. We’re willing to wager there aren’t many places that can tout the same claim!

Ant ‘n Bee Ryudocho sometimes holds events, like themed tap takeovers and meet the brewer/cidermaker parties. Anything that helps Kawabe connect the drinks she serves with her customers. Having said that, you might want to take a look at their social media feeds for announcements. 

Earlier, we mentioned that Ant ‘n Bee focuses on imported beers and ciders, but Kawabe says she plans on introducing more Japanese ciders in the near future – another reason to visit them soon. We certainly hope you do.