Night in Nakasu, Fukuoka. On the outskirts of the bustling neon-lit streets, there is a pub with a British atmosphere. When you open the door, you are greeted by a wooden counter and the rich aroma of craft beer.
For 19 years, the British Pub Morris Hippo has been a place of exchange between locals and travelers from all over the world. In the bar, you can see people enthusiastic about watching sports, tourists sharing travel stories, and regulars after work spending their time in their own way.
As this pub evolves into a more open space, what kind of encounters will it forge in the future? We spoke to the pub about its history and future.

The history of "Morris" lives on in the streets of Nakasu

In 2005, "British Pub Morris Hippo" opened in the international city of Fukuoka. Fukuoka has long been a place of trade with the continent, and in recent years the number of foreign tourists has increased dramatically. In this city, we provide a space where travelers and locals can naturally mingle through the operation of a pub that can be considered a symbol of British culture.
Inside the store, a wooden counter is lined with a variety of craft beers, and warm lighting fills the air. Since opening, the store has created its own unique style, while still cherishing the British atmosphere and adding a touch of Japanese care.

"At the time, there were few international pubs in Fukuoka, and they were a rare sight, especially in the Nakasu area. I have experience at other stores, but Nakasu is especially popular with tourists. In particular, the number of customers from overseas increases in the summer, accounting for about 30% of the total," says current store manager Noriyuki Kaneyasu. Kaneyasu gained experience at the group's Daimyo and Shinjuku stores before taking up his post at the Nakasu store. He has a deep knowledge of beer, and is involved in the development of new craft beers.

A special space that connects locals and travelers

The British Pub Morris Hippo is recommended by several hotels and is often visited by guests. Customers from overseas in particular are familiar with the pub format, and enjoy a leisurely meal and conversation.
"We regularly broadcast soccer and rugby matches. The Premier League is especially popular, and foreigners living in Japan gather here to support their home country's clubs," says Kaneyasu. Another attraction of the pub is that it becomes lively during events such as sporting events, and the four large displays installed inside the shop come into play.

You can relax inside the restaurant, or you can spend a luxurious time on the open terrace by the river feeling the pleasant breeze. This is a hidden spot where you can enjoy events held nearby, such as "Hakata Dontaku," "Gion Yamakasa," and "Nakasu JAZZ."
"The atmosphere is different from the main streets of Hakata, Tenjin, and Nakasu, so I think you'll be able to spend a relaxing time here," she told us with a smile.

Overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic and taking a new step

While the pub was running smoothly and loved by many customers, it faced a major challenge. The COVID-19 restriction of not being able to talk to people was tough for the pub business.
"We're open at lunchtime, but we couldn't serve alcohol and couldn't open in the evenings, so it was a very difficult situation for the first two years. But since the deregulation, we've been seeing a lot more customers coming than before. I think they've rediscovered its value as a place to socialize. We've added new food and beer menus to make it even more enjoyable for everyone," says Kaneyasu.

The new menu item, lamb-filled shepherd's pie, is a must-try traditional British dish. Another fun thing is that they will suggest drinks to suit your tastes, including a full-bodied ale fermented at room temperature.

What we aim to achieve as a British pub

"British Pub Morris Hippo" is planning to renovate its store this spring. In particular, they will be making major changes to the seating layout, aiming to create a space where customers can more easily interact with each other. They will also be strengthening their seasonal menus, which will likely make it even more fun for regular customers to visit frequently.

"I want to value the sense of distance between us and our customers and make this a more international store," said Kaneyasu.
"British Pub Morris Hippo" continues to strive to be a more comfortable space. We look forward to seeing how it develops in the future as a place where locals and travelers from around the world can interact.

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British Pub Morris Hippo

電話：092-282-3912

Address: Hakata Riverain 1F, 3-1 Shimokawabata-cho, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City

Access: 5 minutes walk from HOTEL RESOL TRINITY HAKATA

HP: https://www.morris-pub.com/hippo.html

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morrishippo/utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D

For details on opening hours and closing days, please check the link above.