Craft Head: Favorite of Craft Beer Scene Returns Better Than Ever


Cian   |   February 27, 2019

Craft Head has long been a stalwart of the craft beer scene in Shenzhen. They are very much a craft brewer’s brewer, and their old location in Shuiwei holds a special place in the hearts of many craft beer lovers. So when the brewer Nick and his wife Penny returned with new partners Sean and Chrissy to open a new tap house, the news was met with no small amount of excitement.

What impresses first is the new Shenzhen location. Transported a couple of neighborhoods away from Shuiwei to Xinzhou, the new Craft Head is located on the corner of a bustling intersection of the charming area. Situated over the second and third floors of a converted home, the views and atmosphere on their terrace is poised to become the envy of most pubs in the city.

Over the years, they have become synonymous with cider and you can still find their classics Apple, Berry, and my personal favorite, Kiwifruit. It’s perhaps their Exit Plan IPA that makes the strongest impression. Nick also uses his extensive network in the craft beer scene to bring a lively mix of guest taps too. With 16 taps on offer, you are going to want to come back time and time again to try the latest beers.

When it comes to food, the owners are principled about what they do and don’t serve. You won’t find any beef at Craft Head, and Chrissy mentioned that there is an upcoming emphasis on offering more quality vegetarian dishes too. Which is great for us, because it’s led to one of the most creative and freshest brewpub food menus around.

In place of your burgers, you have their Roujams, where they take that Chinese hamburger you find served by street vendors and give it a twist with some new mouthwatering fillings. Of the five varieties, Lamb Jam was the one that left me licking my fingers the most.

And that same fun sense of experimentation and fusion can be found all over the menu. From the criminally good Goat Cheese Wonton, to the Chef’s Meishan Special potato wedges seasoned with Sichuan spices, to the Chef’s Jian Special noodles, recipe for which comes all the way from Chrissy’s Mother’s kitchen in Jiangxi.

The new Craft Head is an absolute must try. Come for the cider and beer. Stay for the food and terrace view.

Address: Xinzhou 2nd Street and 7th Street, Line 7, Near Shawei Station (深圳市福田区新洲中心村78栋二楼(新洲二街与七街交叉口))

Tel: +86 18666297694

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 17:00-02:00, Sat-Sun 16:00-02:00

Photo Credit: SuperMonsterC of Craft Head