The Barrel Project
Situated along the popular Bermondsey Beer Mile, The Barrel Project is a cool taproom housed underneath an archway. Not only does it contain around 200 oak casks, but it's also got 24 taps of house-aged and international brews.
London has a long, colourful history when it comes to beer - from once being the brewing capital of the world to parliament encouraging punters to sink pints in order to quell the country's gin addiction. And while MPs might not be quite so vocal in asking us to down drinks, this city still has a soft spot for the hoppy stuff. Whether you're looking for one of the capital's oldest family-run breweries or hoping to try a new breed of brewing, we've rounded up our favourite London breweries, brew pubs and taprooms for the freshest pints in town.
Last edited by Lauren Cole
Last updated on 30th October 2024
Situated along the popular Bermondsey Beer Mile, The Barrel Project is a cool taproom housed underneath an archway. Not only does it contain around 200 oak casks, but it's also got 24 taps of house-aged and international brews.
Found on the iconic Bermondsey Beer Mile, Gosnells Bar features 10 delicious taps from friends at Signature Brew, Wild Card and 40FT Brewery. This brand is famous for honey-based drinks, taking mead into a fresher, lighter and more accessible category: sparkling nectar. You can expect plenty of that awaiting too, as well as pizza from neighbouring Klementino's.
Bringing you a taste of Down Under, Aussie craft brewery Little Creatures has got a menu filled with everything from brunch classics and gourmet burgers to vegan dishes and, of course, ice cold craft beers. Go on then.
Mondo Brewing Company is the perfect spot if you fancy high-quality booze without breaking the bank. This Battersea hotspot offers a boot-load of bevvies from IPAs to lagers in their cool space. If you're feeling peckish, they also have regular food trucks serving mouthwatering bites.
London brewer Meantime are letting you sample their fine wares - as well as showing you the process behind things - at their Greenwich outpost. Perfect for a day out drinking, the taproom has 9 beers on rotation, while tours take place over the weekend.
Looking for a trendy taproom with a sunny outdoor space? Then you'll love Bird House Brewery, found under the railway arches of Herne Hill. Not only have they got a spacious terrace for the summer months, but the interiors are pretty cool too- think industrial, warehouse-type decor and long wooden tables. You'll find live music on Sundays, as well as DJ sets every Friday and Saturday, and you can sip on home-brewed lager or pale ale whenever you visit.
Whipping up some of the hoppiest serves (and gins), The Wimbledon Brewery Tap has made quite a name for itself in the city for its booze. Come rain or shine, this beer-fuelled venue has got you covered with its cool outdoor space touting sports screens, alongside a crackin' bar.
From award-winning craft brewery Anspach & Hobday comes this cool and trendy taproom on the Bermondsey Beer Mile, The Arch House. Pop along to sample a range of enticing sips, as well as tip-top spirits, wines and bubbles. You're also allowed to bring your pup and your food with you.
Looking for a beer-tastic boozer? Hackney Brewery & High Hill Taproom has got you covered. This hotspot is home to Hackney Brewery and serves up the freshest, tastiest brews in town. With 20 lines on tap and rotating street food vendors, it's a real party in a pint glass.
Nestled in the vibrant Dalston area, the 40ft Brewery is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts. They're offering up unique and distinctive craft brews, from refreshing lagers to hearty stouts, all sourced from the finest ingredients, locally sourced where possible, and made using traditional and sustainable techniques. This spot is perfect for the summer months too, thanks to their gorgeous garden area.
Located just a few strides from the legendary Cutty Sark, The Old Brewery is a historic boozer renowned for its locally-brewed craft beers. Always attracting an eclectic mix of locals and visitors to the area, there's plenty of exciting boozy options to pick between enjoyed in a lovely indoor space or their expansive outdoor terrace.
Tucked away on the outskirts of Queen Elizabeth Park in Hackney Wick is Howling Hops Tank Bar, a friendly brewery with industrial-style interiors, low-hanging lights and some of the most delicious golden pints around.
Check out its ten giant tanks pouring different beers from their on-site brewery and gather with your friends in the beer hall-esque area or outdoor garden to enjoy the goods. You'll also find delicious Latin fusion eats from La Cunbia, like fries topped with pico de gallo, quesadillas and brisket burritos.
This stylish City pub is attached to the old Grade II listed Whitbread Brewery, making it the perfect spot for enjoying great drinks and delicious gastro pub food. Watch the chefs cook in the state of the art open kitchen and have a stroll through the walk-in wine room to choose your favourite bottle.
Though the bar only opens Thursday to Saturday The Camden Town Brewery has already established a strong standing with London beer connoisseurs, boasting some of the most advanced brewing equipment of any UK micro-brewing company. The impressive range is guaranteed to satisfy any pallet, from their hoppy pale ale to the deeper and stronger stouts. The Camden Town Brewery also offers tours and Beer tasting for the true beer enthusiasts.
People's Park Tavern make some excellent beers and ales in their own on-site brewery, as well as some more creative oddballers like their summer expresso stout experiment. If you're really into proper home brews, then they have also occasionally given tours and talks in their brewery - an experience not to miss if descriptions of hops, malts and barleys gets you all hot under the collar.
In Bermondsey Beer Mile you'll find FABAL Beerhall, a fantastic brewery that's home to some of the best English craft lagers. 'Fabal' means craft so its no wonder they embody everything to do with the type of drink here - you can enjoy a cold pint under the arches and fairy lights, and even enjoy a 10% discount when you pre-book as a group and pre-order some beverages.
This excellent Blackheath bar is pouring out some of the freshest pints in South London. Head over the heath and sample some of the tank-fresh beer, as well as some delicious plates of pizza, pasta and vegan eats from their food menu.
Founded in 1666, Truman's is one of London's most prolific breweries. After a brief hiatus. the brand is back and it's got grand plans, including this incredible outdoor space in Walthamstow. Head over to East London to find the taproom, street food market and live music venue.
Located in Walthamstow, Pretty Decent Beer Co is an independent brewery and taproom serving up some of the freshest pints around. They offer 20 different taps of craft beer brewed on site, ranging from sours to stouts and IPAs, changing on a regular basis. They rotate their weekly specials on a Thursday, so head there on that day to sample their new batch for just £4 a pint, or tuck into cheesy slices from It's Not Big Dough inside or in the spacious outdoor area.
Are you a beer lover in London on the hunt for some of the city's best breweries? You're in luck as Ale Hunters are sure to help you find some seriously delicious sips. That's not all though as you'll learn all about the creation process from some renowned experts along the way.
When it comes to breweries and taprooms in Leyton, Mammoth Tap by Mark Pether and Vikram Gudi is sure to impress. The founders of this boozy hub know how to serve some of the tastiest pours, alongside quirky combinations. On top of that? Keep an eye out for live music.
If you're in need of a new watering hole in Camden then look no further than 3 Locks Brewery where you'll find ten taps fronting beers made on-site, as well as a range of wines and spirits. Spread over two floors, you'll find window seats overlooking the canal, pinstriped arched ceilings and pops of orange as part of its quirky decor. Look forward to trying the likes of its signature West Coast IPA or the banana-flavoured Hefeweizen.
KRAFT Dalston is a fabulous shout for London's best breweries. Beer lovers can check out the venue's private tour and tasting while learning about German traditions. Or you and your pals can nestle in for a few fresh pints and bar snacks.
@ Brixton Brewery Taproom on Every Saturday
Brixton Brewery's tour and tasting is one of the best South London events around. Not only will you get to explore the brewery, but you'll also get to enjoy a taster session with a beer expert while learning the art and science behind the good stuff.
Fourpure's stylish industrial taproom is nestled within their brewery site in Bermondsey, offering 40 taps of fresh craft beer from the taps. If you fancy taking home a souvenir, they sell takeaway cans and plenty of merch for craft beer fans.
A cool taproom on Brick Lane, this pop-up beer hall has got your summer plans sorted. Head down to this Shoreditch beer garden when the sun is high and cool off with craft brews and fun catch-ups with friends.
Found in the heart of East London's Blackhorse Beer Mile, Signature Brew Blackhorse Road is a sleek and modern brewery, fronting 12 lines of carefully crafted beer. Expect food courtesy of burger and wing gurus We Serve Humans as well as live music on the weekends. Alternatively, check out its Haggerston taproom, housed inside a former archway.
Tucked away in Coldharbour Works, Brixton, is Supercute Brewhouse, the ultimate beer lovers destination that's more than just a bar and taproom.
This cool den offers a unique microbrewery experience as it makes its own beers, fresh for you to try. It also champions local talent so expect to find an array of goings on here throughout the week, including quiz nights, alongside signature sips from Tuesday to Sunday.
The first of its kind in Mayfair, German Kraft Brewery is a haven for all you bier drinking needs. Soak up a few rays on their roof terrace or cosy up indoors with a stein if 'Keller König', barrel aged smoked beers and modern sours with a few of their internationally-inspired plates.
Just a ten-minute walk from Blackhorse Road, this fun and friendly taproom is one of the best places to find craft beer in London. Home to one of Walthamstow's favourite breweries, Exale is sorting you for some sublime sips, alongside live DJs and tasting events.
From stouts to the iconic Punk IPA, BrewDog is a church to all things hop-based. First founded in Scotland, it hasn't taken long for the craft beer temple to take over the world, with plenty of keg lines and guest ales on offer. Discover one of their London locations to see what all the fuss is about.
When it comes to beer, Friendship Adventure Brewery and Taproom in Brixton knows a thing or two. Not only does this place have live music but it brews its own beer on-site, and also offers a short but sweet list of wines, ciders and more.
This multi award-winning Pillars Brewery can be found in Walthamstow, having been whipping up some of the freshest lager in the area since 2016. Their industrial taproom serves delicious pints made on site, as well as a cracking selection of locally sourced pales, stouts, ciders, spirits and more, with an Indian fusion street food truck to keep you fuelled between sips. What's more, if you visit on a Sunday then you can enjoy old-school video games for free, courtesy of RetroLDN.
Harlem Brewing Taproom can be found perched on Market Row in Brixton Village celebrating all things beer. Founded by Celeste Beatty, the first African American female brewer to launch a commercially distributed craft beer, it partners with Supercute to create a lively space packed with cultural heritage and community.
You can get stuck into the 125th Street IPA which features notes of citrus and spice, while you soak up the space's design - a colourful room curated by Harlem artists and Brixton architects Squire & Partners.
Searching for a quirky taproom? Look no further than Wolfpack Queens Park. Make your way inside this unique hotspot that's housed within a derelict auto shop, where you'll be able to quaff down lip-smackin' pours. And when the sun's shining, head to its outside space.
If you're after one of the city's finest spots for hop-heads, check out Two Tribes Brewery & Campfire Taproom. This King's Cross venue is a triple threat with its epic range of ales, fire-cooked grub and a crackin' lineup of live entertainment in its cool alfresco space.
Located in East London, Hackney Church Brew Co is a great shout for breweries and taprooms. They feature a list of 6 signature brews, alongside other boozy bevvies and top-notch Indian food - we mean everything from goat curry to tikka masala.
Long Arm Pub and Brewery are changing the game when it comes to pubs in East London. Brewing all their beer on-site, the pub changes their choices daily, rotating between six freshly brewed pints.
The White Hart is a micro-brewery pub in Whitechapel. They offer a selection of home-brewed seasonal ales and lagers, that are brewed in the basement and a wine list that has also been perfectly crafted to accompany their menu.
Home to some innovative bevvies which are below 2.8%, Small Beer Brew Co has gained quite the reputation for its booze in South London. Make your way to this hotspot with pals for a few pints, or if you fancy learning more about the processes, check out its popular brewery tour.
Boasting ciders, pale ales, lagers and stouts, Mash Paddle Brewery is a fabulous shout. Settle in for a tutored class so you can make your very own brew or check out a painting class or quiz night. Wanna pop in for a quick drink? Kick back outside with a craft beer.