When it comes to good beer, London has it all – from cosy pubs and cool beer gardens to alcohol-free bars and taprooms... And with more than 120 breweries in London, places to grab a pint aren’t limited!
From industrial warehouses and local breweries to pop-up events and brewery tours, the London beer industry will soon hold no more secrets.
Here’s a pick of the best London breweries and distilleries to grab a drink.
Top London breweries
1. Sambrook's Brewery
Sambrook's Brewery has recently relocated to the Ram Quarter in Wandsworth and boasts a new brewery, visitor centre and taproom. Enjoy modern handcrafted British beers brewed onsite after visiting the museum which puts you in the shoes of a brewer for the day. Opening date TBC
2. Camden Town Brewery
Discover a proud team of brewers at Camden Town Brewery, set under the railway arches in Camden. Tour the brew house to see where the magic happens, before you try all the other brews in the tasting room, including lager, pale ale, stout and limited-edition beers.
3. Crate Brewery
Sit by the river Lea in Hackney Wick and let your hair down at Crate Brewery. Sample a range of fresh beers brewed onsite or discover handpicked craft beers from all over the world. Grab a stone-baked pizza or head to Silo, the world’s first zero-waste restaurant, in the White Building.
4. The Kernel Brewery
Discover a great range of pale ales, IPA and stouts at The Kernel Brewery in Bermondsey. Founded in 2009, the brewery is one of London's first craft brew houses, which puts quality before quantity and aims to be as sustainable as possible with a limited choice of brews.
5. Hackney Church Brew Co.
It’s worth heading down to Hackney Church Brew Co. just for the beauty of the industrial building. But while you’re there, sample the range of beers made by its expert brewing team and sit in the beautiful courtyard to enjoy your tipple alfresco.
6. German KRAFT Brewery
Drink authentic German-style beer from German KRAFT Brewery, straight from the tank and locally brewed in Mercato Metropolitano. Pick from the all-year-round Pale Ale, Helles Lager and German wheat beer, or try a seasonal one full of character – all beers are unfiltered and unpasteurised which makes them suitable for vegans.
7. Two Tribes Brewing
Two Tribes is much more than just a brewery; it’s a community of liked-minded creatives. Head to the brewery in King's Cross to celebrate art, music and beer over good food at their taproom which also boasts a great outdoor space.
8. Howling Hops
Quench your thirst with bold beers from Hackney Wick's Howling Hops brewery, where the tanks are connected directly to the taps. Take your pick from the Tropical Deluxe Pale Ale or the strong Platform Contest, alongside more tank-tastic sour beers. And if a pint is not enough, order a flagon.
9. By The Horns Brewing Co.
Expect creative and flavour-packed beers at By The Horns Brewing Co. in south London. Combining British beer tradition with the American brewing approach, the company creates seasonal and one-off brews with uncommon flavours to broaden the styles of beers available in London. Grab a spot on the terrace to enjoy a pint and wood-fired pizzas.
10. Fourpure Brewing Co. Basecamp
Grab craft beers at Fourpure Brewing Co. Basecamp’s brewery taproom. The brew house offers beers and pale ales as well as ageing sours and dark ales – all in colourful tins aimed at having a lower environmental impact.
11. Brick Brewery
Located on the original spot of its brewing site, Brick Brewery in Peckham has now turned its venue into a cool London taproom with 20 beers from Brick and guests. Grab a classic Peckham Pale or an Elderberry & Almond Sour which tastes like dessert in a glass. A part of the sale of rich and bitter Heart N Soul goes to an award-winning charity of the same name which supports people with learning disabilities.
12. Little Creatures Brewing
Originally funded by a group of friends in Australia, Little Creatures Brewing has since set up in Regent’s Canal, where you can order a Beer Tasting Paddle to sample all of its six beers. The brewery supports the community, from employing locals and helping charities in its neighbourhood, to supporting locally produced products.
13. London Beer Factory
Hidden away under a Victorian rail arch, London Beer Factory’s The Barrel Project welcomes you for craft beer, cocktails and street food. The hybrid venue in West Norwood organises a great rooster of events and is home to more than 200 barrels for aging.
London brewery tours
14. The Five Points Brewing Company Tours
Join one of The Five Points Brewing Company Tours in which your guide takes you through the brewing process and the ingredients used to make a pint. The two-hour visit ends, of course, with a tutored beer tasting which introduces you to five of the brewery's best ales.
15. Meantime Brewing Company
Sit at the bar in Meantime Brewing Company’s Tasting Rooms to watch the brewers at work, just metres away. Or tour the premises with Meantime Brewing Company Tours before a tutored tasting of an original range of craft beers.
16. Fuller's Griffin Brewery Tours
Join a two-hour tour of Fuller's Griffin Brewery to uncover the secrets of good British beer-making. Find out about the heritage of brewing, how beer is made today and what goes into a pint. When the tour ends, you'll be rewarded with a tasting of some of Fuller’s best ales.
17. Beavertown Brewery Tours
Beavertown Brewery opens its doors every Saturday and throws a cool lineup of events to promote its London beer. Meet the people behind the quirky brew house and what’s in your glass, and ask them all the questions you may have. Grab a beer on tap, including the popular Neck Oil and Double Chin.
Top London gin distillery tours
18. Hayman's of London
Hayman’s of London takes you behind the scenes on a 90-minute tour. Learn about the family in charge since 1863, discover the traditional ways of classic gin-making and taste some of their production. The Balham distillery also throws cool events including masterclasses and Ginema – a pop-up cinema experience accompanied by gin cocktails, treats and more.
19. East London Liquor Company
Based in Bow, East London Liquor Company distils its own gin, vodka and whisky behind the bar, serves tasty cocktails and imports some of the best rums from Jamaica and Guyana. Make sure you try the distillery’s East London Kew Gin, made in collaboration with Kew Gardens. The distillery also runs two 90-minute tours – Spirit of Gin and Whisky Lover's.