Except for Japan’s mighty British pub chain ‘HUB’, it should be Pig & Whistle that’s the most famous British pub in Kyoto. It’s hard to miss the English letters “Pig & Whistle” with a dope pig painted in Christmas color palettes when walking in Downtown Kyoto which the warzone for businesses flaunting Japan-ness. When an expat in Kyoto says “Ah, that pub,” it’s likely about the dope pig downtown.
Pig & Whistle’s store sign.
Inside Pig & Whistle.
Inside Pig & Whistle is otherworldly. Not in Kyoto anymore, but not in the UK yet. It’s on its own. Could be Studio Ghibli, who knows? It’s got a good hole-in-the-wall vibe which can only be attained by decades of successful run as an eating establishment (since 1986). The place was functioning as a sports bar with international enthusiastic rugby fans when I visited.
Pig & Whistle’s menu.
Fish and chips. 1200 yen ($9.20).
Cottage pie. 850 yen ($6.50).
Pig & Whistle’s signature item is obviously fish and chips. The fish was downright crispy and not dissected into pieces, which I appreciated a lot. Their cottage pie was nicely homespun and moderately gamey. Yum. Speaking of the game, Japan won that night. Cheers.
Japan’s rugby team captain, New Zealand-born Japanese Michael Leitch speaking after the game.
Pig & Whistle | 115 Higashi-iru Ohashi-cho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 〒605-0009, Japan
P.S. Pig & Whistle faces the parade route of Kyoto’s legendary festival ‘Jidai Matsuri (時代祭)’.
☞ Find more bars
☞ Find more about Kyoto
