London’s craft beer scene isn’t just growing-it’s exploding
If you think London nightlife is all about cocktails and club DJs, you’re missing half the fun. The city’s craft beer movement has quietly become one of the most vibrant in Europe, with independent brewers, taprooms, and beer-focused pubs opening every month. You don’t need to hunt down hidden alleys or pay cover charges-just walk into any of these spots, order a pint, and you’re already in the heart of it.
Where to start: The East End’s beer heartland
Shoreditch and Hackney are where London’s beer culture took root. Start at Beavertown Brewery’s taproom on the edge of Hackney. This isn’t just a bar-it’s a full-scale brewery with a rotating lineup of IPAs, stouts, and sour ales you won’t find anywhere else. Their Neck of the Woods IPA is a local legend: tropical, crisp, and exactly 6.2% ABV. The space is industrial but warm, with long wooden tables and locals debating hop profiles like it’s a science fair.
Just a five-minute walk away, The Ten Bells in Spitalfields has been around since the 1800s but now serves 18 taps of local brews. They don’t do gimmicks-just perfectly poured pints from breweries like Brew by Numbers and Magic Rock. If you’re into hop-forward beers, ask for their ‘Hop Hunter’ series. If you prefer something darker, their oatmeal stout has notes of chocolate and coffee that linger like a good conversation.
South London’s hidden gems
Head south of the river, and you’ll find a quieter but equally passionate scene. Clapham’s The Beer Market is a 20-tap temple with a focus on small-batch UK brewers. Their rotating list includes beers from Cornwall, Yorkshire, and even a few from Scotland. One night, you might get a peach sour from a tiny brewery in Devon; the next, a barrel-aged porter from a former bike shop turned brewpub in Bristol.
Don’t skip St. Saviour’s Brewery in Southwark. It’s tucked into an old church hall, and the beer is brewed on-site in a 10-barrel system. Their ‘St. Saviour’s Session IPA’ is dangerously drinkable-4.4% ABV, citrusy, and light enough to have three in a row. The owner, a former graphic designer, still designs every label himself. You can see his sketches on the wall behind the bar.
West London’s upscale beer experience
Not all craft beer spots are gritty warehouses. In Notting Hill, Bar Volo offers a refined take on beer tasting. Think wine-style flights, curated by a certified beer sommelier. Their ‘Global Hops’ flight includes a Belgian saison, a Japanese rice lager, and a New Zealand hop bomb. It’s not cheap-£25 for four 125ml pours-but if you want to understand how terroir affects hops, this is the place.
For a more relaxed vibe, try The Wheatsheaf in Shepherd’s Bush. It’s a traditional British pub with a twist: every beer on tap is from a UK microbrewery under 5000 cases annual production. They host ‘Brewer Nights’ once a month, where the brewer sits at the bar, pours your drink, and tells you why they used toasted barley instead of roasted. No scripts. No PR. Just real talk.
What makes a great craft beer pub in London?
Not every place with a few taps counts. The best ones share three things:
- Rotation over consistency-If they serve the same four beers every week, they’re not trying. Look for places that change at least half their taps monthly.
- Local focus-The top spots prioritize brewers within 100 miles of London. You’ll taste the difference-fresher hops, less transport time, and more innovation.
- Staff knowledge-Ask the bartender what they’re drinking tonight. If they hesitate, move on. If they say, ‘I just tried a new lactose porter from Brighton and it’s insane,’ you’ve found your spot.
When to go: Timing matters
Weeknights are better than weekends for craft beer lovers. Friday and Saturday nights get packed with tourists and people who just want a drink, not a conversation. Go on a Tuesday or Wednesday after 7pm. You’ll get the full range of beers, the staff will have time to chat, and you might even get a free sample if the brewer’s in town.
Also, check out ‘Beer Week’ in early March. It’s not a big festival-it’s a city-wide collaboration where 80+ pubs offer exclusive one-off brews. Last year, a pub in Camden teamed up with a bakery to make a beer with sourdough starter. It tasted like toasted bread and orange peel. You won’t find that in a supermarket.
What to order: Beyond the IPA
IPAs are popular, but London’s best craft beer spots are pushing boundaries. Try these styles:
- Session sour-Light, tart, under 4.5% ABV. Perfect for a long evening. Try ‘Tart & Tasty’ from East London Brewery.
- Black lager-Dark, smooth, and crisp. Think Guinness but cleaner. ‘Black Magic’ from The Kernel is a standout.
- Belgian farmhouse ale-Funky, earthy, slightly spicy. ‘Fermentis’ from Clapton’s The Wild Beer Co. is brewed with wild yeast from Kent orchards.
- Herb or spice-infused-Not gimmicks. Real flavor. ‘Ginger & Honey’ from Hogsback Brewery is balanced, not sweet.
What to avoid
Some places call themselves ‘craft’ but still serve the same mass-market lagers. Watch out for:
- Beers with names like ‘Premium Lager’ or ‘Classic Ale’-those are usually brewed by big corporations.
- Pubs with more than 50% of their taps from the same three brands (Heineken, Carlsberg, etc.).
- Places that don’t list the brewery name on the menu. If it just says ‘IPA’, walk out.
How to make the most of your night
Grab a friend, pick a neighborhood, and explore. Don’t try to hit more than three places in one night. Let the beer guide you. If you love a sour, ask where else they’ve found something similar. If you’re into barrel-aged stouts, ask for the brewery’s next release. The best beer experiences aren’t about the venue-they’re about the people behind the bar and the stories they tell.
Final tip: Bring cash
Many small breweries and independent pubs still don’t take cards. Even if they do, leaving a £2 tip in cash for the bartender who spent 10 minutes explaining the difference between cascade and citra hops? That’s how you become a regular.
What’s the best time of year to visit London for craft beer?
Early March is ideal-London Beer Week features exclusive one-off brews from over 80 pubs and breweries. But any time works if you’re flexible. Winter months bring richer, darker beers like porters and barleywines, while spring and summer highlight hoppy IPAs and light sours.
Are there any beer tours in London?
Yes, but skip the big-group bus tours. Instead, book a private walking tour with ‘Beer & Bikes’ or ‘London Beer Walks’. These are led by certified beer educators who take you to three or four hidden spots you’d never find alone. Tours cost £45-£65 and include tasting flights.
Can I buy craft beer to take home from these pubs?
Most do. Many have growlers (glass jugs) for takeaway, or 500ml bottles. Beavertown, The Kernel, and Wild Beer Co. all sell their own bottles in-store. Some even offer mail-order-just ask. Avoid buying beer from supermarkets unless it’s from a local brewer you trust.
Is London’s craft beer scene expensive?
A pint of craft beer usually costs £5.50-£7. That’s more than a lager, but less than a cocktail. Many pubs offer 125ml tasters for £2-£3, so you can try four different beers for under £12. It’s worth it for the quality and variety.
Do I need to know anything about beer to enjoy this?
No. The best bars don’t expect you to know the difference between a pale ale and a stout. Just say what you like-‘I like citrusy’ or ‘I want something dark and smooth’-and the bartender will guide you. The magic is in the conversation, not the jargon.
