Kasauli has always been a place that rewards those who seek it out. Tucked into the Shivalik Hills of Himachal Pradesh, this small cantonment town has drawn travellers for generations with its clean air, colonial charm, and pine-scented calm. For years, though, one thing was conspicuously missing from its otherwise lovely offering — a place where you could sit among the hills, raise a glass of something truly crafted, and let the evening take its time. That gap no longer exists.
Brook & Pines has arrived, and with it, Kasauli’s very first microbrewery. It is not just a restaurant or a bar or a beautiful spot in the forest — it is all of these things at once, and then some. If you haven’t been yet, consider this your introduction. If you have, you already know what we’re talking about.
The Arrival Is Part of the Experience
Getting to Brook & Pines is an experience in itself. The property sits nestled in the Kasauli Hills, tucked below the road in a way that keeps it hidden from the passing world. When you arrive, a battery-operated golf cart whisks you down from the parking area to the restaurant — a small, delightful moment that signals immediately that what lies ahead is something out of the ordinary. It is the kind of detail that sets the tone before you’ve even pulled up a chair.
The setting that greets you is nothing short of striking. Lush greenery surrounds the space on every side, with views of the valley opening up beyond. The property offers multiple seating areas to suit the mood — an open-air deck where the hills feel close enough to touch, cosy wooden cottages for a more intimate atmosphere, a glass-enclosed indoor space for cooler days, and open lawn seating where the sky is the ceiling. There is a central area with activities, a stage for live music, and a play area for younger guests. Whatever kind of afternoon or evening you’re after, Brook & Pines has a corner for it.
Kasauli’s First — and Finest — Microbrewery
The centrepiece of Brook & Pines, the feature that makes it truly singular in this part of Himachal Pradesh, is the microbrewery itself. Brewing is approached here with genuine craft and care, and the result is a lineup of handcrafted beers that hold their own against any city microbrewery you might compare them to.
The American Lager is the crowd-pleaser — clean, refreshing, and effortlessly drinkable, it is the classic companion for an afternoon in the hills. The Belgian Wheat arrives hazy and beautiful, offering fruity aromas layered with a subtle spiciness that is the hallmark of authentic Belgian brewing. And then there is the Scotch Ale — a Wee Heavy that is rich, velvety, and deeply satisfying, with notes of caramelised toffee and dark sugar and a warming glow that makes it the ideal evening pour when the Kasauli air begins to cool.
Every sip is a reminder of how much better beer tastes when it has been made with intention, served fresh, and enjoyed somewhere as beautiful as this. Brewing is at the heart of what Brook & Pines does, and it shows in every glass.
A Kitchen That Takes Food Seriously
The microbrewery is reason enough to visit, but the kitchen at Brook & Pines gives you plenty of reasons to stay. The menu is a celebration of multi-cuisine cooking done with a light hand and real quality — from wood-fired pizzas that arrive with perfectly blistered crusts and generous toppings, to mouthwatering mezze platters, expertly spiced kebabs like the Gilafi Kebab, and a rotating selection of dishes that covers everything from Thai curries to classic Indian favourites.
The Kurkure Khumb — crispy and packed with flavour — is the kind of starter that disappears quickly. The wood-fired pizzas are genuinely excellent, and those who know food keep coming back for them. There is also freshly brewed Coorg coffee for those who want to start the morning right, and a full bar with cocktails and spirits for those looking beyond beer.
What ties it all together is a kitchen that clearly takes its role seriously. This is not an afterthought menu designed to accompany the beer — it is a full culinary offering that stands on its own merits.
An Atmosphere Like No Other
Brook & Pines has an atmosphere that is genuinely hard to replicate. The combination of the natural setting, the craft beer, the thoughtful food, the live music that floats across the space on weekends, and the unhurried pace of it all creates something that feels rare.
There is a stage and a large LED screen in the central area where musicians perform, and the music — whether it is a guitarist during a quiet weeknight dinner or a fuller set on a Saturday evening — adds warmth and life to the whole experience without ever feeling forced. The space also features table tennis, a small archery set, and other activities that keep things lively without disrupting the essential calm of being in the hills.
Families find the kids’ play area a genuine asset. Couples find the outdoor tables and the valley views quietly romantic. Groups of friends find the whole energy of the place perfectly suited to a long afternoon that stretches into a longer evening. Brook & Pines is, remarkably, all of these things at the same time.
A Destination, Not Just a Pit Stop
The honest truth about Brook & Pines is that it is the kind of place you plan a trip around, not something you stumble into. Word has spread quickly since it opened, and weekends are busy — pre-booking your table is strongly recommended so you don’t find yourself turned away.
It sits within the larger Kasauli Hills Resort property, which means if you want to make a full weekend of it, staying accommodations are close at hand. But even as a standalone visit, a few hours at Brook & Pines — beer in hand, hills all around, music in the air and something delicious on the table — is a very complete experience indeed.
Kasauli needed this. And now that it’s here, it’s hard to imagine the hills without it.
Come collect a beautiful moment at Brook & Pines — Kasauli’s First Microbrewery & Finest Restaurant.
