Discover Craft: Cambodia’s Hub for Craft Beer, Live Music, and Fun
Located just south of the Royal Palace, Craft is a notable hotspot in the popular Palace Lane for both locals and tourists looking for a unique experience. A fusion of craft beer, live music, and finger-lickin’ fun food, Craft offers something unique in the vibrant F&B scene of Phnom Penh. Co-founder Dave shares the journey of how Craft came to life and the passion that keeps it thriving.
“We established Craft during the dying days of COVID,” says Dave, who’s lived in Cambodia for over 16 years. “The idea was simple: combine our three passions—craft beer, live music, and fun food—in a way that keeps people coming back. We’re affordable, we offer something different, and most importantly, we’re fun.”
The concept has grown beyond expectations. From eclectic live performances to collaborations with Cambodia’s best independent brewers, Craft is not just another bar—it’s a community hub. Dave reflects on the path that brought him here: “I spent two years as a volunteer in Battambang and ended up staying 14 more years. Before Craft, I was running a regional consulting company. Now, I focus on bands, social media, and events, and leave the heavy operational stuff to our excellent team.”
Craft’s Core: Affordable Quality and Fresh, Local Offerings
Craft stands out by fusing competitive elements in Phnom Penh’s bustling F&B scene. “Restaurant bars, live music venues, and craft beer are all competitive segments, but we’ve found a way to make them work together,” explains Dave. “We source the best craft beer from Cambodia’s 15 or so independent brewers, and our food is fresh, healthy, and we make it all ourselves.”
One of the key driving forces behind their food ethos is one of Dave’s business partners, who has owned and managed restaurants in various countries. This passion for fresh ingredients and avoiding pre-processed food is what keeps Craft’s menu exciting and consistently delicious.
When it comes to the live music experience, Craft doesn’t hold back. “We’ve had everything from jazz and fusion to classical baroque and rock. We work hard to offer a variety of music, and I think that’s part of why people love coming here,” says Dave. Whether it’s a familiar pop hit or an experimental fusion band, the vibe is always electric.
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Community-Centered and Culturally Rich
At its core, Craft aims to give back to the community. “We always buy local and seek interesting collaborations with local businesses,” Dave shares. Situated in a prime location, Craft is easily accessible to tourists visiting nearby attractions, but it’s also deeply rooted in the local culture. “We’re not just a place for tourists. We’re part of the local fabric, supporting Cambodian brewers and musicians.”
The Cambodia Connection
For Dave, Craft is more than just a business—it’s a reflection of his love for Cambodia and its people. “Cambodia has been my home for 16 years, and it’s the diversity of both the locals and the expats that keeps me here,” he says. “The pace of change has been incredible, and it’s been a privilege to be part of that transformation. I’ve met amazing people here—people I wouldn’t have encountered if I’d stayed in the UK.”
Despite the post-COVID challenges that businesses like Craft have faced, Dave remains optimistic: “We opened right after COVID, hoping to capitalize on the rebound. It hasn’t materialized as we expected, but we’re still enjoying the ride. And I think that’s the spirit of Craft—no matter what, we keep things fun and fresh.”
A Must-Visit Spot in Phnom Penh
Whether you’re a beer enthusiast, a music lover, or simply someone in search of great food, Craft has something for everyone. With its central location, inviting atmosphere, and commitment to quality, it’s no wonder Craft is becoming a go-to destination in Phnom Penh.
In a city as fast-paced and ever-evolving as Phnom Penh, Craft offers a place where you can sit back, enjoy a drink, and take in the magic of live music. As Dave puts it, “We just try to fuse everything in a way that works for us, our staff, and our customers.”
So the next time you’re in Phnom Penh, make sure to stop by Craft. Whether you’re here for the beer, the bands, or the buzz of excitement in the air, one thing’s for sure—you’ll be back.
Where can I find CRAFT in Phnom Penh?
Address: 82E0 Street 244, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Contact: 069 248 606
Opening Hours:
Monday
11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday
11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday
11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Thursday
11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Friday
11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Saturday
11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday
11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
 | Cambodia |
 | https://palacelane.com/craft/ |
 | +855 69 248 606 |
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Author: Tom Starkey
Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.
