Inside Green Turtle, the English pub that replaced Cycle Brewing
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Green Turtle Brewing and Public House opened in the former location of Cycle Brewing. Photo: Kathryn Varn/Axios
The pain of losing Cycle Brewing earlier this year was still raw when a friend asked me to meet him at the spot that took its place.
Yes, but: After much hand-wringing, I decided it was time to swallow my sentimental impulses and give Green Turtle Brewing and Public House a shot.
- "Down," I texted him back. "Even tho I will cry."
Why it matters: Sometimes, dear reader, embracing change is the only way to cope with it.
State of play: Gone is the grungy, minimalist vibe and in its place: cushioned seating, TVs and Premier League scarves hanging from the walls. (The bar wants to be a soccer (football?) hub, which is not my thing, but go off.)
- The Snapasaurus Rex IPA ($8) I ordered was no Crank — my favorite brew in Tampa Bay before Cycle closed its doors. But it was pretty good! Bold, smooth and hoppy.
- The bathrooms are, well, still a hodge-podge of rooms crammed in the back, but one of them now has a disco ball.
The menu: Along with a full lineup of beer (including traditional English cask ales), wine, canned cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages, the brewery also offers bar snacks, pizza and British fare from Jack's London Grill.
My favorite part: After ordering, I went to join my friend outside and was delighted to see the same worn, wooden benches where I'd spent so many hours at Cycle.
- Some things change, some things stay the same.