The Footnik Osaki
A popular Tokyo pub arrives in an up-and-coming neighborhood

Photos by Samantha Dobney

The Ebisu branch of The Footnik is already one of Tokyo’s favorite British pubs, and with the opening of a second location in Osaki, the owners look to continue their success. Judging from the raucous scene that greeted us on a recent Friday night, it’s safe to say that the new bar is well on its way.

Fans of the original location will find a lot of similarities here. The two bars share a convivial atmosphere, a traditional public-house feel, and a decent lineup of draft and bottled beers. During warmer weather, both pubs offer al fresco seating, though the Osaki branch has a more expansive outdoor terrace. That spaciousness continues inside, with high ceilings and a nice amount of space between the tables.

We’re told that the new bar, located in the recently opened Think Park business and recreation complex, is popular with futsal players who come over from the nearby courts for post-match drinks and food. On this midwinter evening, however, the only athletes to be seen were on the big-screen TVs. Footnik calls itself “Tokyo’s only true British football pub,” and even though that night’s broadcast was a recycled J-League match, a blackboard listed a full lineup of Premier League and Champions League games.

We wish the blackboard that listed the daily food specials was displayed just as prominently. After salivating over a steaming plate of fajitas carried by a waitress to a table in the far corner, we searched the menu in vain for the dish, only to learn later that it was written on a board hidden next to the bar. Not that we were complaining: we tried the excellent chicken tacos (¥900), with large strips of tender meat and even fresh cilantro. That was followed by an order of chicken pie (¥1,000), complete with gravy and lots of veggies. We decided to take a pass on the cactus salad (¥950).

We enjoyed similar success with the drinks, starting off with a Stella Artois (¥1,000) and pints of Kilkenny (¥900) and Bass (¥900)—and, in a nod to our high school days, a glass of whiskey and coke (¥800). The Footnik Osaki operates on a pay-as-you-go system, with customers ordering each round at the bar. Though the crowd was large, the waits were thankfully short.

The scene picked up as the night wore on, and the pub became charged with a start-of-the-weekend buzz. Our fellow punters consisted of groups of coworkers and couples, most of whom probably rode the elevators down from the 30-story office building above. Indeed, workers in the Think Park complex must pass by The Footnik on the way to the station, and all we can say is, we admire them for being so close to this fun and cheery pub.

1F, 2-1-1 Osaki, Shinagawa-ku. Tel: 03-5759-0144. Open 11am-1am (or longer depending on live soccer schedules). Nearest stn: Osaki, new west exit of the south exit. www.footnik.net

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