Breweries and Pubs That Encapsulate the History of London

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London’s long list of local breweries stems from a unique culture true to the values and character of the city. From historic breweries to entrepreneurial start-ups, the city is full to the brim with original and character-rich alcohol makers. Ales are a truly British beverage, so it’s no surprise to find that the city is teeming with great breweries to sample and tour.

Whether you’re in London for business or for pleasure, public houses are the perfect environment for after-work drinks or just to soak in the local culture. With their history often dating back centuries, these spots are just as suitable as the breweries to obtain an understanding of the local culture of London’s 32 boroughs. From the East End pubs of Moorgate and the Barbican close to the Montcalm Hotel Moorgate to the sun-soaked breweries of West London, there are plenty of historic breweries and pubs to explore during your trip to London.

Breweries

London’s long history of breweries dates back to the mid 18th century and has seen many other companies follow suit. With the city’s wealth of industry and commerce, alongside the easy trading routes along the River Thames, the historic breweries of London have quickly become a staple, and even today give guests in the UK capital a chance to explore the wide range of beautiful tasting rooms, factories and areas dotted across the city.

Bermondsey Beer Mile

Although recent in its development, the historic Bermondsey area has quickly been shaped by the unique Beer Mile that’s opened up under the railway arches. Acting as a spine through the area, the Bermondsey Beer Mile has grown over the space for ten years to create a vast network of start-up brewers and national favourites. Here are just some of the breweries and taprooms you can enjoy. Keep in mind that the taprooms may have differing opening times, but all open their doors from Friday afternoons to night time, Saturday days and evening s and Sunday afternoons.

Fourpure Basecamp

Fourpure Brewery is located on the Bermondsey Trading Estate at the far end of the Beer Mile (which, when you look at it is more like two!). As one of the most popular craft beer companies in the city, Fourpure serves to many bars and shops across London and beyond, whilst their “base camp” on the Bermondsey Trading Estate offers a lively and spacious bar with plenty of contemporary furnished seating and industrial decor. With plenty of beers to try, event rooms and even ping pong tables, you can be sure that this beautiful taproom is livelier than its industrial setting.

Other Breweries

It’s not just the Bermondsey Beer Mile offering amazing new brews. Many areas will give guests at luxury and discount hotels London a chance to sample, enjoy and savour the sights and sounds of the local London brewery scene. Here are just some of the historic venues open for guests to tour, taste and enjoy.

Canopy Brewery

Canopy Brewery is nestled in the heart of Herne Hill. Overlooking Brockwell Park, the intimate bar and brewing room is a popular after-work destination for locals and offers a shabby chic tasting room full of delicious surprises and experiments.

Beavertown Brewery

With its expansive brewing facility based in Tottenham, you can almost see the Walthamstow Reservoirs from its factory. Whilst it might not be as clear as the Thames Valley drinking water, the Beavertown Brewery, striking in its bottle designs, offers a taproom and tours that screams London edge all over.

Jugged Hare

Located in a historic Whitbread Brewery, the Jugged Hare London is also the local pub for guests at the Montcalm Hotel. With its classy interior and vintage design, the Grade II list building is also home to a wine room and a broad menu of high-end gastropub dining. Perfect for intimate evenings and larger parties alike, this is an East End gem you should definitely not miss.

Fullers Brewery

A little distance from our accommodation near Brewery Road, the West London ale making staple Fuller’s Brewery is located in Chiswick and dates back to 1845. The Griffin Brewery as it’s known, is responsible for making much of Fullers national output, and promises tours taster and tantalising taprooms for those who wish to visit its expansive facility.

Pubs

Pubs are probably the most likely place you’ll find a local Londoner on a weekend or after a hard day’s work. With so much history to them, it’s no surprise, many of them dating back hundreds of years and within their walls, pubs like those close to hotels near Brewery Road hold many stories of local myths and legends. Below are just some of the beautiful pubs that are held dear to locals.

The French House

With legendary regulars such as Francis Bacon and Charles de Gaulle (a fitting regular for a pub with this name!), it’s no surprise that it’s become such a thriving boozer. Based in the vibrant Soho area, this is the West End at its best. But best get a table earlier, it can get very busy almost every evening of the week.

The Mayflower

Based in the Deptford and Rotherhithe area, this historic dockland pub dates back hundreds of years and with its vintage interior, this really shows. With its low ceilings and sailing paraphernalia, you’ll really feel like a sailor on leave with the views out to the docklands end of the River Thames. With gastropub dining and an ocean full of beers and ales, this is a must if you’re exploring this scenic part of the city.

Faltering Fullback

Based in Finsbury Park, the Faltering Fullback offers a mix of Irish pub and sports bar vibes alongside a range of classic brews and guest beers. Alongside its thriving North London atmosphere, you’ll find a spacious outside seating area complete with a terraced garden, beautiful plant life and plenty of heaters. Located on a suburban street and hidden away for the main road, this vine covered pub is one of the best hidden gems in North London.