True Brew, once one of Lahore’s most energetic and intimate recording spaces, has officially landed in Karachi — but not in the form longtime fans remember. The city’s new branch, located in Bukhari Commercial, reimagines the iconic brand not as a music studio, but as a creative café built for artists, filmmakers, musicians and anyone who thrives on community.
The original True Brew earned its reputation in Lahore as a sanctuary for musicians looking to experiment, collaborate and record without the pressure of commercial studios. Its dim lights, scattered instruments and late-night jam sessions turned it into a cultural landmark for the city’s indie scene.
Karachi’s version feels noticeably different. The amps and soundproofing have been replaced by sleek wooden tables, greenery, warm lighting and an unmistakably café-driven aesthetic. Instead of guitars hanging from the walls, visitors now find rows of books, art pieces and a barista station that has already sparked praise for its pour-over coffee.
Jamal Rehman — the producer and filmmaker who founded True Brew — says the shift is intentional. After years away from the original setup, he felt the creative landscape needed a space where people from different arts could cross paths again. The idea was less about reviving a studio and more about rebuilding a community.
The café plans to host curated gigs, listening sessions, film screenings and small creative meetups, keeping the spirit of True Brew alive even without the recording equipment. Early visitors say the atmosphere is bright, social and welcoming — although for some, it lacks the gritty charm and intimate chaos that made the Lahore space a cult favourite.
Whether Karachi’s creative crowd embraces this new identity remains to be seen. But the return of True Brew, even in a transformed form, signals a fresh attempt at reconnecting artists in a city where ideas often remain scattered.
For many, that alone makes this comeback worth watching.
