Breweries in London

London until the 19th century was considered to be the brewing capital of the world though over the past few decades the capital’s breweries have lost favor as imported lagers have generally ruled the markets. Currently however real ale is enjoying a rebirth of sorts in London as research indicates that younger tipplers in London seem to have a developed a definite preference for bespoke ales during recent years. This has led to the establishment of several small breweries that range from brew-pubs to micro-breweries to set up shop in the capital. Listed below are some of the popular breweries that are located in and around London

Fuller, Smith & Turner P.L.C.
The Griffin Brewery
Chiswick Lane South
London
W4 2QB
www.fullers.co.uk
Fullers operates a chain of pubs and bars around London that serve a range of quality beers that are brewed at the company’s historic Griffin Brewery in Chiswick. Fullers is not new on London’s brew scene as this family owned brewery has been in existence since 1845. Fuller’s produces a range of award winning beers that include crisp blonds, full flavored traditional ales and rich dark porters. Some of its most popular brands include London Pride which is an award winning premium ale that is served in several pubs across the city, ESB which a strong draught beer, Chiswick Bitter and Bengal Lancer which is a classic real India pale ale.
Sambrook’s Brewery
Unit 1 & 2 Yelverton Road
Battersea, SW11 3QG
www.sambrooksbrewery.co.uk
Sambrook’s Brewery is an independent brewery based in Battersea in South London. This boutique brewery was set up by former accountant Duncan Sambrook who was inspired to set up his own brewery while visiting the Great British Beer Festival in 2007. Sambrook undertook a brewing course and apprenticed with master brewers after which he recruited retired brewer David Welsh to help put in motion his plans. The Sambrook brewery which is a twenty barrel operation is known for its signature Wandle Beer, which is a refreshing ale that is served in several pubs around the city, though the brewery has also recently launched a new ale called Junction which is proving to be equally popular.. The Sambrook independent brewery also offers brewery tours that run from Monday to Thursday from 6.30pm until 8pm and include a tour and tasting. These week day tours are priced at £7 while the weekend tours which take place between 12.30 pm and 4.30 pm are priced at £10.
Zerodegrees
29/31 Montpelier Vale
Blackheath
London. SE3 0TJ
http://www.zerodegrees.co.uk/
Zerodegrees which is named after the temperature at which beer ferments is a microbrewery that also hosts a pub. The pub at Zerodegrees is set amongst chrome pipes, shuddering gauges and other beer-making paraphernalia. Zerodegrees serves four handcrafted beers on tap namely the Zerodegrees Pilsner, the Zerodegrees Pale Ale, the Zerodegrees Black Lager and the Zerodegrees wheat ale. Aside from these signature beers, this brew pub also serves several specialty beers and pub food that consists of a range of pizzas that are prepared in a wood-fired oven.
Meantime
The Greenwich Brewery
2 Penhall Road,
London SE7
http://www.meantimebrewing.com
The award winning Meantime was set up in 2000 by master brewer Alistair Hook and today Meantime is one of the largest breweries in London which produces a wide array of bespoke beers like London Pale Ale, India Pale Ale, London Porter, London Stout and a chocolate beer which is a silky-smooth beer that has bears a hint of dark chocolate. Meantime brewery offers tours of its facilities on select evenings. These tours usually start at 6.30 pm and last for two hours and are priced at £15 per head including VAT and samples.
Brew Wharf
14-16 Stoney Street
City of London SE1 9AD
http://www.brewwharf.com/
Brew Wharf was founded by award winning London restaurateurs Trevor Gulliver and Claudio Pulze in South London’s Vinopolis complex in 2004. The brewery which also hosts a pub offers a wide array of beers including two which are brewed on site. Brew Wharf’s signature beer is it’s Brew Wharf Best though it also offers several other brews like Wharf Bitter, Wharf St George and other quirkily named seasonal brews like Punjabi, Tasty, Goldfish Bowl, Tasty and Ignore the Hype which are served periodically. Brew Wharf also serves traditional British pub grub like battered Haddock and chips and Stout Rarebit on toast along with a more diverse menu. This brew pub also offers a variety of beer tasting packages which aim to cater to novices and connoisseurs alike. Details of these packages are available on the brewery’s website.
Twickenham Fine Ales
Ryecroft Works, Edwin Road
Twickenham
TW2 6SP
http://twickenham-fine-ales.co.uk/
Twickenham Fine Ales is a small micro-brewery that is located in the London suburb of Twickenham. This brewery which produces 7,000 pints a week was launched in 2004 and is housed in a small shed. Initially Twickenham Fine Ales started its production with two ales but today its repertoire includes more than 16 award winning ales that are supplied to several London pubs. Some Twickenham Fine Ale’s signature beers include the Sundancer, the Twickenham Original and Naked Ladies which are produced all throughout the year. Aside from these signature ales, the brewery also produces four seasonal ales and other seasonal beers like wheat beers, mild beers and dark ales. This brewery currently supplies its beers to pub and clubs in West London and offers brewery tours for groups which have to be arranged by prior appointment.