Best Bars For Beer Junkies

When it comes to a night out in London it goes without saying that you are spoilt for choice no matter what you're looking for, whether it's cocktails at one of the world's best lounge bars or a burlesque show in Soho, London is your oyster. But in the beginning London was built on one thing, imperialism... OK two things, imperialism and beer. Most importantly beer. So let this list be a homage to that great London staple with a few unexpected twists that we've come to expect from a pint in London, because at the end of a long day we're all beer junkies at heart.

Last edited by Scarlett Welch

Last updated on 20th June 2024




Pillars Brewery

Beer lovers can get their fix at Pillars Brewery in Walthamstow, an award-winning site that's been whipping up the freshest lagers around since 2016. Take a seat in their modern taproom for delicious pints of the stuff, as well as locally sourced stouts, pales and ciders, or take advantage of their outdoor tables during the summer. You can also nab tasty Indian street food from their on-site truck, and if you visit on a Sunday then they also offer free video games on old-school consoles, courtesy of RetroLDN.

The Old Brewery

Speaking of pubs with their own brewery, how about a pub that's built inside one? Yes beer junkies The Old Brewery bar in Greenwich will definitely have the goods to get you hooked with an amazing setting to match. Situated right by the river on the grounds of the Old Naval College, The Old Brewery is home to one of London's favourite beers, Meantime. You can book yourself a table or even take a tour of the brewery, it'll probably be the most inspiring pint you have. 

Lowlander Grand Cafe

Lowlander Grand Cafe is designed in the style of a traditional European cafe leaning towards those big beer junky nations The Nederlands and Belgium. For a great beer junky bar in London Lowlander Grand is great for its central location (Covent Garden) and the impressive selection of world beers on offer. You'll have so many different styles and flavours to choose from that it's best you order a tasting tray when you visit.

3 Locks Brewery

Beer fans rejoice as 3 Locks Brewery is here to provide freshly made on-site sips from its ten taps. Looking over the canal and fronting liquorice all sorts-style interiors with pops of orange and checkerboard flooring, it makes for a cool and quirky hangout to enjoy a Hazy IPA or lager, whatever the weather.

The Pretty Decent Beer Co

Situated on the Blackhorse Beer Mile, Pretty Decent Beer Co is an independent brewery and taproom serving up 20 different taps of craft beer brewed on site, from sours to stouts or IPAs. Head there on a Thursday to sample their weekly specials for just £4 a pint, and throughout the weeks you can tuck into cheesy slices of pizza from It's Not Big Dough, to be enjoyed in the bar area or on the sunny outdoor terrace.

40FT Brewery

Situated in the vibrant Dalston, this bustling spot is home to unique craft beers that range from crisp lagers to hearty stouts and everything in between. 40ft Brewery uses traditional methods to create their distinctive pints, using locally sourced ingredients to add to their focus on sustainability. With a spacious garden area and beers for every budget, you don't want to miss out on this East London gem.

Bird House Brewery

Hidden under the railway arches of Herne Hill, Bird House Brewery are slinging out delicious, freshly made pints. This social hotspot features a spacious, sunny terrace area, as well as industrial interiors complete with long wooden tables. You can sip on a selection of home-brewed lager, amber lager and pale ale here, as well as plenty of refreshing cocktails. And on the weekends? Expect DJ sets on Friday and Saturday nights, as well as live music every Sunday.

Zerodegrees Blackheath

Lunch £14.95pp for any main course, a side, and a drink! and 2 other offers

If you're looking for somewhere with a bit more modern style whilst you get your beer junky fix then head down to Zerodegrees in Blackheath.  This pristine bar & restaurant is perched delicately on the edge of the charming Blackheath Common in South East London. While your guests gorge on delicious Italian foods you can sample the delicious Zerodegrees brews made right on site in their own micro brewery. The perfect ruse right?

Mammoth Tap

If you're a beer junkie, be sure to check out Mammoth Tap in Leyton. This hop-tastic hub is run by Mark Pether and Vikram Gudi, who both know a thing or two about lip-smacking small batched brews. If you've also worked up an appetite, check out the Yard Sale pizza menu. 

St John’s Tavern

St John's Tavern is the Clapham free house offering up 20 beers on tap, rotating between South London's finest breweries. Each pint is reasonably priced and hand-selected, best enjoyed when washing down bottomless pizza and £1 wings or listening to live music.

BrewDog Bars In London

You can't really class yourself as a true beer junky if you've not yet visited a Brewdog bar in London. This Scottish chain is slowly taking over the city, bringing its impressive range of own craft ales and fun times with it. Keep an eye out for their beer tasting classes, which turn punters into pint connoisseurs.

The Duke of Wellington

To achieve excellence in craft beers you'll want to visit the Duke Of Wellington in Dalston. The ideal bar for beer junkies in London, the Duke of Wellington is the only middle man between you and your brewer. They serve a whole range of world beers and local ales brewed within the vicinity of this trendy Dalston boozer. Why not book yourself a table and grab a few tasters for yourself?

The Cock Tavern

This unassuming pub is just a stones throw from Hackney Central station and yes it is as cool as you'd expect it to be based on this. The Cock Tavern in a independent boozer perched on top of one of London's most spectacular microbreweries, you might say it's kind of a Mecca for beer junkies in London. The uber friendly chaps behind the bar are more than happy to talk you through your taps whilst you chill out with cool rock and roll tunes. 

The Rake

Word of warning beer junkies, do not walk into The Rake bar near London Bridge and order economy export lager (for arguments sake lets call it Farlsberg), you will be marched out with little of your dignity in tact. Joking obviously, the bar staff at The Rake pub are actually some of the friendliest you'll meet this side of Disneyland, happy to help you choose from the 160 odd beers available and even let you try a few.

Craft Beer Co Brixton

For a state-side bar to suit beer junkies in London why not try the Craft Beer & Co pub in Brixton. This chain has been slowly sweeping across London, soaking up a legion of beer junkies who just can't get enough of this American beer craze. There's more taps in this pub than a Michael Flatley (Riverdance) show each showcasing the worlds best in craft ales and lagers to suit the taste of even the most discerning beer junky in London.