Craft Beer Tour in London: What You Need to Know

If you love cold hops and want to see the city from a different angle, a craft beer tour is the perfect plan. London hides dozens of microbreweries, taprooms, and historic pubs that serve brews you won’t find elsewhere. This guide gives you the basics so you can start your tour without wasted time.

Pick the Right Route

London’s beer scene clusters in three main areas: East End, South Bank, and Shoreditch. East End’s breweries focus on experimental ales, South Bank mixes traditional English styles with modern twists, and Shoreditch offers a lively bar crawl vibe. Choose one neighborhood for a half‑day walk or combine two for a full‑day adventure.

To keep things simple, start at a brewery that offers tours and ends with a tasting room. For example, begin at Meantime Brewing Company on the South Bank, then hop to Fourpure Brewing Co. in Peckham, and finish at The Kernel in Bermondsey. All three have easy public‑transport links and short walking distances between them.

What to Expect on a Brewery Tour

Most London breweries give a 45‑minute walkthrough. You’ll see mash tuns, fermentation tanks, and sometimes the packaging line. Guides talk about the water source, hop varieties, and how they balance bitterness and flavor. Ask about the seasonal brew of the week – that’s usually the most interesting sip.

After the tour, you’ll move to the tasting room. Most places let you sample three to five beers for the price of the tour. Take notes on what you like – fruit‑forward, malt‑heavy, or dry‑hopped – so you can find similar styles later on. If you’re new to craft beer, ask the staff for a “flavor map” – they’ll point out which beers match your palate.

Don’t forget to stay hydrated and eat something light. Many breweries have snacks like cheese boards, pretzels, or charcuterie. A quick bite will soften the alcohol and let you enjoy the flavors better.

When you finish the official tours, you can extend the night with nearby pubs that carry the same brews on tap. In Shoreditch, for instance, The Old Blue Last often pours the latest Fourpure release. In South Bank, The Anchor serves Meantime’s flagship ales alongside classic lagers.

Plan your route on a map, wear comfortable shoes, and bring a reusable cup if the brewery allows it. Some places even offer a discount for refillable bottles, which is a small eco‑friendly bonus.

With these tips, you can craft a beer tour that feels personal, not rushed. Grab a friend, book the first brewery’s slot online (they fill up fast on weekends), and let the hops guide your day through London’s hidden brewing gems.

London Craft Beer Pub Crawls: Top Routes for Real Connoisseurs

by Lachlan Wickham on 19.05.2025 Comments (0)

Discover the most rewarding craft beer pub crawls in London, designed with real beer lovers in mind. This article breaks down where to find unique local brews, which pubs are must-visits, and how to plan an unforgettable night out. Get tips on hidden microbreweries, taprooms, and iconic craft beer spots you won't find on a generic tourist map. Pick up pointers about travel between stops, ordering samples, and blending in with Londoners at their favourite haunts. Whether you're new in town or a born-and-bred Londoner, you'll get the inside scoop for a standout pub crawl.