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 Kiera Chapman
Last updated on 10th October 2024
Both brewing their own creations and offering the best produce of London's most iconic breweries, the Temple Brew House has firmly established itself as a leading figure in London's craft beer circles. Coupling the great pints with delicious comfort food dishes, the venue offers a serene spot to unwind in and promises to cater for whatever mood you might find yourself in.
Locate in the heart of King's Cross, this Aussie led brewery has chilled out drinking nailed. Not only can you sample a vast range of brews, but there's even one-off collaborations, as well as sharing platters and a whole host of burgers.
If you're a beer lover, there's nothing better than a brewery with an on-site tap room. At Battersea Brewery, you get just that. Fronting everything from cask to kegs, alongside a range of craft brews from across the world, they're a firm choice.
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.
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.
Hunting for a new watering hole? If you're a real fan of a hoppy drink, then Beer Merchants Tap is a great place to check out in Hackney. You can feast your eyes on over 20 different unique taps as well as over 500 bottles and cans.
If you're a beer lover in London, then The Jolly Butchers in Stoke Newington should also be on your radar. Think a lineup of locally brewed real ales and other pints, served alongside a food menu of gastro favourites.
Whether you love yourself a good ol' pint or know someone that'd appreciate a fresh beer, Brixton's Friendship Adventure Brewery and Taproom is a great shout. And if you're dragging along anyone that doesn't have a taste for it, there's also wines, ciders and seltzers.
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.
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?
Lovers of craft beer won't want to miss out on a visit to The Queen Charlotte, which specialises in the stuff. Think sipping on pints from the best local breweries in their vintage interiors, with a lineup of burgers for when you get peckish too.
Beer lovers unite. Kraft Dalston have brewery tours and tastings giving you and your friends one of the best experiences in London. You'll get to try 3 different brews while getting a fun walk through their fermentation and operations rooms.
Taking up a spot on Ealing Broadway, BeerKat is dedicated to bringing you pints of the good stuff everyday from noon until night. Get stuck into their selection that comes fresh from their tap wall, and pairs great with their sourdough pizzas.
Big beer lover? You'll be spoilt for choice at Mercato in Mayfair. Your evenings come complete with towering pints, stacked burgers and plenty of other food traders. Plus, it's the perfect place to kick back with a pint in hand.
Fourpure's Bermondsey taproom is home to over 40 brews on tap, a first-class departure lounge and a cracking kitchen serving hotdogs, burgers and more. If that's not enough for you, you can grab merch and tinnys for the road from the gift shop.
A real eye-candy for beer lovers, Hackney Brewery & High Hill Taproom is an industrial-style boozer with brewing equipment on site and the freshest, tastiest lines of beer, all brewed in-house, of course. Don't wait; hop on over to this Walthamstow haunt for a beer-tastic time.
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.
Run by none other than Walthamstow's Exale Brewing, Three Colts Tavern is stocking craft beers from just down the road. Head to this cool location to accompany your pints with shuffleboard, Wednesday quizzes and live music or DJs.
Truman's Social Club is an all-new venture in Walthamstow from the Truman's craft beer brand. Starting off with a gorgeous beer garden featuring local drinks and street food, they hope to expand the site to include an on-site brewery, taproom, market, live music space and artist studios.
Home to some of the finest hops, it's no wonder why Two Tribes Brewery & Campfire Taproom is up on our list of venues for beer junkies. Treat yourself to the epic range of ales, sour beers and lagers, all while getting cosy by the fire or enjoying live music sessions.
If you're after a wide range of German beer in London, including classsic Bavarian pints and traditional menu from the country, then Munich Cricket Club is the place to head. This chalet-themed bar has huge tables to boot and an Oompah band every Thursday and Saturday night.
@ London Beer Lab on Sunday 24th November 2024
Self-confessed beer junkie? Yup, we thought as much. Luckily for you, South London has a real hop-tastic event. Join in on the Brixton Craft Brewery Tasting Tour, which will have you exploring some of the best breweries and trying plenty of bevvies on the way.
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.
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.
Fancy a pint with friends? Beer junkies will surely be impressed with Crystal Palace's Westow Tap. The venue has a mega selection of craft beer and wine, alongside a menu of scrumptious burgers, wings and pulled pork fries.
Whether you're a beer buff or would like to treat a fellow fiend, The New York Bar's beer flight experience is quite the event. Perfect to enjoy between two, this will see you snacking on a sharing stand of grub, as well as quaffing a choice of two beers, which includes lagers, ales and stout.
If you're a certified beer junkie then be sure to head to Camden Beer Hall. With 26 different beers on tap, you definitely won't run out of options. If you're feeling peckish be sure to tuck into their delicious Italian menu designed by British chef Theo Randall.
For those hop-tastic sips in the city, Finsbury Park's Someday is sure to get your tastebuds tingling. This cool venue has plenty of craft brews on draught, alongside a crackin' menu filled to the brim with Mexican plates to enjoy. Not your thing? You can enjoy Ace Pizza's tasty slices.
A hidden gem in the heart of Walthamstow, Signature Brew Blackhorse Road offers 12 lines of fresh beers, along with tasty street food and live music throughout the week. Swing by the spot, or its Haggerston taproom, to test our new sips or enjoy old classics, with staff more than happy to offer recommendations too.
One of London's most popular pub groups, Draft House are known for their winning beer brews. Head to the Tower Hill venue for the same great mix of neon signs, simple interiors and burgers, all washed down with a freshly brewed pint.
If you're a beer junkie, head to Bermondsey Beer Mile's Gosnells Bermondsey Bar. This top-notch spot is home to a fantastic range of hoppy pours, with 7 meads on tap and a crackin' selection from Freedom and Signature, there's plenty to get stuck into here.
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.
Fancy yourself a bit of a beer buff? Then The Arch House is the place for you. Nestled on the Bermondsey Beer Mile, this trendy hangout showcases 12 tasty taps of the good stuff from award-winning brewery Anspach and Hobday.
One of the best bars for beer lovers, The Bay and Bracket is bringing you a unique line-up of delicious pints. Head over to Victoria where the fun and friendly pub is bringing you tank-fresh sips courtesy of Meantime, alongside a rotating range of craft brews.
Looking for some of the finest beers from all over Europe? Then head to Albert's Schloss, found on Shaftesbury Avenue in the West End. They host a regular lineup of live music, from piano sessions to house bands and cabaret performances, to be enjoyed alongside steins from Germany, Belgium, Czechia and beyond. And if you're feeling peckish? Tuck into their mouthwatering menu of chicken schnitzel, crispy roasted pork and more.
Whether you're all about the hoppier things in life or are a dairy fiend, The Terrace Bar at The Chesterfield Mayfair's beer and cheese pairing experience is not to be missed. With nibbles from Neal's Yard Dairy at hand, plus a selection of craft brews, your tastebuds will thank you later.
Looking for a top-notch spot for a fresh pint of beer? Then be sure to check out Mondo Brewing Company near Battersea Power Station for some classic IPAs and lagers from their fifteen taps. If you're feeling hungry they also have regular food trucks and local restaurant partners on hand.
If you're prone to a pint then you're going to love FABAL Beerhall nestled under the arches in Bermondsey Beer Mile. It's perfectly laid-back, spans 120 seats and its name means craft - which is exactly what you're going to get here. Enjoy some of the best English craft lager about under fairy lights or outside soaking up the sun.
One of the best bars for beer lovers in London, The Bermondsey Bierkeller is bringing you a mammoth collection of craft sips to get stuck into. Head over to their Tooley Street haunt and raise a stein or two with friends.
2 for 1 cocktails from Burnt Faith with Strictly Vinyl tickets Thurs, Friday & Saturdays
Spanning two floors in the heart of Shoreditch, 26 Curtain Road is a delightfully slick local haunt to hang out and enjoy a wide selection of craft beer. Listen to vinyl-only sounds and take your pick from a menu consisting of international and local brews on rotation, so you never have to pick the same drink twice.
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.
On the hunt for East London breweries? Hackney Church Brew Co is a more than suitable choice. Showcasing a list of 6 signature brews, the venue also slings out boozy bevvies and top-notch Indian food - think goat curry, tikka masala and onion bhajis.
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.
Not only is The Duke of Edinburgh home to one of the biggest beer gardens in the city, but this Brixton boozer is also serving up a stellar list of chicken and Sunday roasts from White Men Can't Jerk to soak up beers, wines, cocktails and more.
The team at Burdock Café & Cocktail Bar on Liverpool Street are offering the ultimate Father's Day blowout. Enjoy a few beers - courtesy of the Long Arm Brewing Co - while taking on your old man at a few fun games of shuffleboard. Once the competition is over, you'll be able to tuck into a dirty burger, topped with heavy cheese and crispy onion rings.
Situated on Old Street is one of the best watering holes in London. Pivo offers up traditional Czech dishes on its menu, with all beer coming from small breweries around Prague. Plus, it boasts chic lighting in a mega cosy space.
One of London's best craft breweries, Exale is a Walthamstow favourite that deserves a visit. Just a short walk from Blackhorse Road you'll find this trendy taproom serving a huge range of signature and guest beers, as well as hosting tasting events and Saturday night DJs.
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?
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.
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.
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.
