Chicago, The Map Room

Chicago, Illinois, the third largest city in the United States, is a vibrant modern place situated on an intricate water system that includes the Chicago River and linking canals covering over 100 miles of waterways. Water is the backdrop to stunning skyscrapers, none more infamous than the Wrigley Building, one of the few places in the world that goes by its name and not a number.

Further afield, The Map Room, which dates from 1992, in the Bucktown area of Chicago serves up beer from 26 taps, including a cask ale, alongside over 100 bottle offerings. On draught, I found Three Floyds Alpha King, 6.7 percent abv, with a ship load of citrusy hop flavours, hit the mark neatly.

It’s an open concept bar with high ceilings, giving it a funky and friendly feel, with an engaging atmosphere that has the bar hopping at all hours. This cash only bar has no kitchen, with alcohol sales under way as of 11 am. People are invited to bring in food or to order from the local take out menus available at the bar.

Head on up to 1949 North Hoyne Avenue by taxi and settle in for a relaxing time at the Map Room.

CAMRA GBBF Winners Announced!

Champion Beer of Britain 2015 CAMRA are pleased to announce this year’s Champion Beers of Britain as follows: Supreme Champions Gold  Tiny Rebel – Cwtch Silver Kelburn – Jaguar Bronze Dancing Duck – Dark Drake Mild Gold Williams Brother- Black Silver Rudgate – Ruby Mild Bronze Great Orme – Welsh Black Best Bitter Gold Tiny Rebel – Cwtch Silver: Highland – Scapa Special Joint Bronze: Barngates – Tag Lag Salopian – Darwin’s Origin Speciality Gold Titantic – Plum Porter Joint Silver  Kissingate – Black Cherry Mild Saltaire – Triple Chocolate Bronze Hanlons – Port Stout Bitter Gold Pheasantry – Best Bitter Silver Acorn – Barnsley Bitter Joint Bronze Purple Moose – Madog’s Ale Timothy Taylors – Boltmaker Golden Gold Kelburn – Jaguar Silver Adnams – Explorer Bronze Blue Monkey – Infinity Strong Bitter Gold Dark Star – Revelation Silver Salopian – Golden Thread Bronze Grain – India Pale Ale Champion Bottle-Conditioned Beer