London’s brewing industry is a remarkable blend of heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation. For centuries, brewing companies in the capital have shaped the city’s identity from historic alehouses to cutting-edge microbreweries producing experimental IPAs.
Today, London stands as one of the most dynamic beer capitals in the world, attracting both seasoned beer enthusiasts and curious newcomers. This guide explores the brewing culture, industry standards, and the top 10 brewing companies in London that define the city’s unique beer scene.
What Makes London’s Brewing Scene Unique?
Historical brewing heritage in the city
Brewing in London dates back to the Middle Ages, when small taverns brewed beer on-site. The River Thames provided easy transport for barley and hops, while the city’s booming population created an ever-growing demand for ale. By the 18th century, London was producing some of the world’s most famous porters and stouts.
Modern craft beer revolution
The craft beer movement has reshaped London’s brewing identity. Independent brewing companies have embraced creativity experimenting with hops, infusing beers with local botanicals, and producing limited-run seasonal brews that rival international competitors.
Diversity of beer styles in London
From classic English bitters to bold New England-style IPAs, London’s breweries cater to every palate. This diversity is driven by cultural influences, international brewing collaborations, and a city that thrives on variety.
Who Are the Top 10 Brewing Companies in London?
1. Camden Town Brewery – “Beer, Fresh from the Tank”
Founded in 2010 in Kentish Town, Camden Town Brewery brought a fresh perspective to lager brewing in the UK. Known for its commitment to clean, crisp flavours and consistent quality, the brewery has grown from a railway arch operation to an internationally recognised name.
Their flagship Hells Lager is a hybrid of German Helles and Pilsner styles, while the Pale Ale captures the vibrancy of modern craft brewing. Camden Town has also become a community hub, with its taproom offering an immersive tasting experience and seasonal beer launches.
Signature Style
Refreshing lagers and modern pale ales brewed with precision.
Perfect Match For
Fans of crisp, easy-drinking beers with a contemporary twist.
Pricing: Pints from £5, brewery tours from £15.
- Website: www.camdentownbrewery.com
- Phone: +44 20 3815 7499
- Address: 55–59 Wilkin Street Mews, London NW5 3NN
- Email: info@camdentownbrewery.com
Review: ★★★★☆ “A perfect balance of flavour and drinkability. Every pint tastes like it was poured straight from the tank.”
2. Beavertown Brewery – “Where Beer Meets Creativity”
Established in 2011, Beavertown started in a small London kitchen before expanding into a powerhouse of the UK craft beer scene. Known for its bold flavours and psychedelic can art, Beavertown has a knack for brewing hop-forward beers that still appeal to a wide audience.
Gamma Ray and Neck Oil are staples in pubs and supermarkets across the UK, while limited editions keep beer enthusiasts on their toes. Their Tottenham Hale taproom is a lively space for trying experimental brews.
Brewing Forte
Hop-centric IPAs with vibrant and punchy profiles.
Suits Best
Adventurous drinkers seeking fresh, bold flavours.
Pricing: Pints from £5.50, tasting flights £12.
- Website: www.beavertownbrewery.co.uk
- Phone: +44 20 3302 4637
- Address: Lockwood Industrial Park, Mill Mead Rd, London N17 9QP
Review: ★★★★★ “The most exciting brewery in London — the creativity in both flavour and design is unmatched.”
3. Fuller’s Brewery – “Proudly Brewing Since 1845”
Fuller’s in Chiswick is the grand elder of London’s brewing community, crafting traditional ales for over 175 years. The brewery’s Victorian architecture is as iconic as its beers, with London Pride being one of the UK’s most celebrated bitters.
Visitors can take guided tours through the historic site, ending with a tasting session in their charming Hock Cellar. Fuller’s represents the very best of British brewing heritage, blending time-honoured techniques with modern standards of quality.
Hallmark Brews
Classic English bitters and robust ales.
Best Suited To
Traditionalists who value heritage and craftsmanship.
Pricing: Pints from £4.80, brewery tours £20.
- Website:www.fullersbrewery.co.uk
- Phone: +44 20 8996 2664
- Address: Fullers Brewery Shop, Chiswick Ln S, Chiswick, London W4 2QB, UK
- Email: web.orders@fullersbrewery.co.uk
Review: ★★★★☆ “Fuller’s is a piece of living history — every pint feels like a connection to London’s brewing past.”
4. Meantime Brewing Company – “Modern Beer, Made in Greenwich”
Founded in 1999, Meantime helped lay the foundations for London’s craft beer revival. Based in Greenwich, the brewery is known for meticulous brewing processes and a diverse lineup that includes London Pale Ale and Chocolate Porter.
Meantime has embraced international beer styles while keeping a distinctly London identity, making it a go-to for those who want both variety and consistency.
Notable Craft
Globally inspired beers brewed with precision.
Ideal Choice For
Drinkers who enjoy variety without sacrificing quality.
Pricing: Pints from £5, brewery tours £20.
- Website: www.meantimebrewing.com
- Phone: +44 0208 293 1111
- Address: Lawrence Trading Estate, Blackwall Lane, London SE10 0AR
- Email: shop@meantimebrewing.com
Review: ★★★★☆ “Every beer from Meantime is a masterclass in balance and flavour they make it look effortless.”
5. Brixton Brewery – “Beer with a Brixton Beat”
Since 2013, Brixton Brewery has infused its beers with the vibrancy of its South London neighbourhood. Bright, colourful branding reflects a range of tropical-inspired ales, including Reliance Pale Ale and Atlantic APA.
The brewery celebrates community, diversity, and creativity, often collaborating with local artists and food producers. The taproom is a friendly, bustling space perfect for after-work drinks or weekend socials.
Brewing Character
Tropical and fruity beers with a South London soul.
Great For
Those who want a pint that captures the energy of its postcode.
Pricing: Pints from £5.20, tasting paddles £10.
- Website: www.brixtonbrewery.com
- Phone: +44 20 3609 8880
- Address: Units 1&2, Off Dylan Rd, Milkwood Rd, London SE24 0HL, United Kingdom
- Email: info@brixtonbrewery.com
Review: ★★★★★ “Brixton Brewery is all about good vibes and great beer — every sip feels like a celebration.”
6. Five Points Brewing Company – “Brewed with Integrity”
Founded in Hackney in 2013, Five Points Brewing Company has built a reputation for honest, community-driven brewing. Their beers, such as the Five Points Pale and Railway Porter, are unfiltered and unpasteurised for maximum flavour.
The brewery is deeply involved in local initiatives, from paying the London Living Wage to supporting grassroots events. Their taproom is a lively spot that blends modern craft with the warmth of a neighbourhood pub.
Defining Style
Unfiltered, flavour-forward ales with community roots.
Tailored For
Beer drinkers who value authenticity and ethical practices.
Pricing: Pints from £5, mixed cases from £30.
- Website: www.fivepointsbrewing.co.uk
- Phone: +44 20 8533 7746
- Address: 61 Mare St, London E8 4RG, United Kingdom
- Email: shop@fivepointsbrewing.co.uk
Review: ★★★★☆ “Quality beer from people who genuinely care — you can taste the difference in every pint.”
7. Kernel Brewery – “Simplicity, Quality, Consistency”
Kernel Brewery, launched in 2009 in Bermondsey, is often credited with kickstarting London’s modern craft beer movement. Their minimalist branding mirrors their brewing philosophy: focus on the beer itself. Kernel produces outstanding pale ales, IPAs, and saisons, with recipes that evolve over time to highlight the best seasonal hops. The Bermondsey taproom is a pilgrimage site for serious beer enthusiasts.
Signature Craftsmanship
Hop-led beers with ever-evolving recipes.
Well-Suited For
Beer lovers who appreciate subtlety and precision over gimmicks.
Pricing: Pints from £5.50, bottle sales vary by beer style.
- Website: www.thekernelbrewery.com
- Phone: +44 20 3345 1494
- Address: 132 Spa Rd, London SE16 3AE, United Kingdom
- Email: contact@thekernelbrewery.com
Review: ★★★★★ “Pure, honest beer nothing unnecessary, just great brewing.”
8. Redchurch Brewery – “Urban Brewing with Edge”
Based in Bethnal Green since 2011, Redchurch Brewery stands out for its bold, experimental beers and distinctive urban vibe. From sour ales to hop-heavy IPAs, the brewery isn’t afraid to push boundaries. Their taproom has a raw, industrial charm and is a favourite hangout for East London’s creative crowd. Limited editions often sell out quickly, drawing collectors and adventurous drinkers alike.
Brewing Distinction
Experimental styles with a fearless approach to flavour.
Most Loved By
Drinkers who thrive on trying something new and unexpected.
Pricing: Pints from £5.50, small-batch bottles from £4.
- Website: www.redchurchbrewery.com
- Phone: +44 1279 626895
- Address: Mead Park, 15-16 River Wy, Harlow CM20 2SE, UK
- Email: orders@redchurch.beer
Review: ★★★★☆ “Every visit is a surprise they’re constantly experimenting, and I’m here for it.”
9. Hammerton Brewery – “Reviving a Family Legacy”
Hammerton Brewery in Islington traces its roots back to the 19th century but was revived in 2014 with a modern twist. Known for its rich stouts like Pentonville Oyster Stout and hop-forward pale ales, Hammerton strikes a balance between heritage and innovation. The brewery takes pride in quality ingredients and hands-on brewing, with a cosy taproom that’s perfect for a quiet pint or lively weekend session.
Brewing Essence
Full-bodied stouts and bold, flavour-packed ales.
Perfectly Matched To
Fans of dark beers with depth and character.
Pricing: Pints from £5.20, mixed cases from £28.
- Website: www.hammertonbrewery.co.uk
- Phone: +44 0207 609 7490
- Address: Unit 8, Roman Way Industrial Estate, London N7 8XH
- Email: taproom@hammertonbrewery.co.uk
Review: ★★★★★ “The oyster stout is legendary — rich, smooth, and unforgettable.”
10. Signature Brew – “Beer for Music Lovers”
Signature Brew, founded in 2011 in Walthamstow, blends the worlds of music and brewing like no other. They’ve collaborated with bands and artists to create beers inspired by sound and stage energy.
Beers like Roadie IPA and Backstage IPA are staples, while special editions tie directly to music releases. Their taproom often doubles as a live music venue, making it a must-visit for anyone who loves beer with a beat.
Unique Approach
Music-inspired beers brewed for gigs, festivals, and good times.
Best Fit For
Beer drinkers who want their pint to come with a soundtrack.
Pricing: Pints from £5.50, gig tickets vary by event.
- Website: www.signaturebrew.co.uk
- Phone: +44 20 8521 2923
- Address: Unit 15, Uplands Business Park, London E17 5QJ
- Email: info@signaturebrew.co.uk
Review: ★★★★☆ “Great beer, great music, great atmosphere — it’s more than a brewery, it’s a vibe.”
Which Brewing Companies in London Lead in Sustainability?
Eco-friendly brewing processes
A growing number of London brewing companies are taking their environmental impact seriously. By installing closed-loop water systems, they are able to recycle and reuse water throughout the brewing process, significantly reducing waste. Advanced energy-efficient brewing equipment is replacing older machinery, helping to cut down on electricity usage.
Some breweries have also embraced biodegradable and compostable packaging for their cans, bottles, and takeaway containers, aiming to minimise landfill waste. These measures are not only beneficial for the environment but also resonate with eco-conscious customers who want their pint to have a smaller carbon footprint.
Local sourcing of ingredients
Supporting local agriculture is another major aspect of sustainability for London brewers. Many now source hops from Kent, one of the UK’s most historic hop-growing regions, and use malted barley from nearby farms.
Even more niche ingredients such as London-produced honey or foraged herbs from surrounding areas find their way into specialty brews. By keeping supply chains short, breweries can reduce transport-related emissions while ensuring their beers have a distinctive local character that reflects the city’s terroir.
Waste reduction and renewable energy
The brewing process naturally produces waste products like spent grain, but forward-thinking breweries have found creative uses for them. Many partner with local farmers to repurpose spent grain as nutritious livestock feed.
Others collaborate with artisan bakers who turn brewing by-products into bread and biscuits. On the energy side, solar panels are increasingly common on brewery rooftops, providing renewable power for daily operations. Some even experiment with anaerobic digestion systems that convert waste into bioenergy, closing the loop on sustainability.
Why Are Brewery Tours a Must-Do in London?
Behind-the-scenes access
A brewery tour offers more than just a look at shiny fermentation tanks. Guests can follow the journey of beer from grain to glass, watching the precise stages of mashing, lautering, boiling, fermenting, and conditioning. Seeing brewers in action, carefully monitoring temperatures and ingredients, gives visitors a deeper appreciation for the artistry behind each pint.
Learning brewing techniques
Many London breweries take pride in educating visitors about their craft. During tours, guides often explain how different hop varieties influence aroma and flavour, or how yeast strains can create subtle differences between beer styles.
Some even let visitors handle raw ingredients, smell fresh hops, or taste malted barley, turning the tour into a sensory experience. This hands-on learning makes the process far more memorable than simply reading about brewing.
Pairing beer with local food
A growing trend in brewery tours is the integration of beer and food pairing sessions. Visitors might sample a robust stout alongside artisanal dark chocolate or enjoy a crisp pale ale with locally made cheese. These pairings help guests understand how flavour profiles complement or contrast, making their overall tasting experience richer. In some cases, breweries collaborate with local chefs to design exclusive menus that rotate with seasonal beer releases.
How Do London Breweries Support Local Culture?
Collaborations with local events
Breweries are increasingly becoming cultural hubs, working hand-in-hand with music festivals, art exhibitions, and street markets. These partnerships go beyond sponsorship some breweries create special edition beers inspired by the events they support. For instance, a summer festival might inspire a citrusy, refreshing IPA, while an art fair could lead to a label design competition for local illustrators.
Supporting pubs and community spaces
London’s traditional pub culture is deeply intertwined with its brewing heritage. Many breweries have direct supply agreements with small, independent pubs, ensuring they can serve fresh, locally brewed beer at competitive prices. This not only sustains the pubs but also strengthens community ties, as these venues often double as neighbourhood gathering spots.
Promoting London’s beer festivals
Annual events like the London Craft Beer Festival and BrewLDN are key opportunities for breweries to showcase their work to a wide audience. Participation in these festivals allows breweries to connect with beer lovers, collaborate with fellow brewers, and contribute to the overall vibrancy of the city’s beer scene. Some even organise their own mini-festivals, drawing visitors to their taprooms for music, food trucks, and exclusive beer releases.
Which London Breweries Should Be on Your Must-Visit List?
Iconic breweries for beer lovers
For those seeking a taste of history, Fuller’s Brewery in Chiswick offers a perfect blend of tradition and quality, with guided tours that walk visitors through its 19th-century brewing facilities. Similarly, Camden Town Brewery is a modern success story, known for its crisp lagers and stylish taproom a must for anyone wanting to experience the new wave of London brewing.
Hidden gems worth discovering
While big names draw the crowds, smaller outfits like Hammerton Brewery in Islington and Kernel Brewery in Bermondsey offer a more intimate experience. Hammerton is famed for its flavourful stouts and inventive small-batch brews, while Kernel is a pioneer of London’s craft beer revival, often experimenting with saisons and hop-forward pale ales.
Breweries with unique experiences
Some breweries go beyond beer to create a multi-sensory experience. Signature Brew in Walthamstow blends the worlds of music and beer, hosting live gigs and collaborating with musicians to craft beers that capture the spirit of their sound. It’s an example of how London’s brewing scene can merge creativity, culture, and craftsmanship into something truly memorable.
Conclusion
London’s brewing companies embody a fusion of history, craftsmanship, and innovation. From traditional ales brewed with centuries-old recipes to cutting-edge craft beers pushing the boundaries of flavour, the city offers something for every beer lover. Exploring these breweries not only introduces one to world-class beer but also to the vibrant culture and community that make London a true brewing capital.
FAQs About Brewing Companies in London
How many breweries are there in London?
London is home to over 120 breweries, ranging from historic establishments to small microbreweries.
What is the most famous beer brewed in London?
London Pride by Fuller’s is one of the city’s most recognised and widely enjoyed beers.
Can you visit all 10 of the top brewing companies in one day?
While possible, it’s not recommended due to travel time and the desire to fully enjoy each tasting experience.
Do London breweries make non-alcoholic beers?
Yes, many breweries now produce alcohol-free options to cater to a wider audience.
Are brewery tours in London family-friendly?
Some breweries allow children on tours, but alcohol tasting is strictly for those over 18.
What is the average cost of a brewery tour in London?
Tours typically range from £10 to £25 per person, often including multiple beer samples.
Which time of year is best for visiting London breweries?
Autumn and spring are ideal, as they often coincide with beer festivals and seasonal releases.