Palm Tree Abbey

Palm Tree Abbey is a brewery and taproom inside Comuna, a creative compound on P. Ocampo Sr. Extension in Makati that occupies a former taxi barn and KTV bar and formally opened in August 2023. The brewery is run by graphic designer Marla Darwin, founder of NS Design, and her husband Joel, who brewed as a nano-brewery under the Palm Tree Abbey name before moving into Comuna. Tatler named it among the best bars in its Best Philippines 2025 guide.

The beers are the draw. The brewery focuses on Belgian-style ales, sours and saisons, with some modern styles alongside. Tatler's picks were the Abbey hibiscus saison, an American IPA and an extra pale ale, and the line-up changes as new batches come through, with artist collaborations and limited releases part of the plan from the start.

The space was designed by Commonsense Studio, led by architects Arisa Jarque and Raisa Vargas, across two units. The brewhouse sits on one side and a steel bar links it to a warmer lounge of wood, soft tones and bright accents, with checkerboard tiles, pine shelving and a listening bar. Operable windows and doors open towards Comuna's small garden, and a bench lets people sit facing out to the green. The owners describe the aim as feeling like a friend's house: there are books and board games, and guests can ask for records from the vinyl collection.

Food is comforting bar chow; Tatler recommends the German sausage platters and crispy potato wedges. The compound also holds other food and drink tenants, including Goto Monster next door, and hosts pop-ups, talks and parties, and the brewery has mentioned supper clubs and oyster nights among its event ideas.

It suits drinkers interested in farmhouse and Belgian styles and anyone who prefers a small, personal room with records playing to a large, loud bar.