Where to Drink Craft Beer in London

Craft beer in London is on the rise

It’s pretty easy to find craft beer in London nowadays. And no, you don’t have to be a bearded hipster or a beer snob to enjoy the stuff. In London, craft beer bars come in all shapes and sizes. You’ll find it on draught in traditional pubs, microbreweries, shady dive bars, cool clubs and more – you’ll even even find it in restaurants across the city.

If you want some food alongside your beers, we’ve got some top tips for you to check out. After a couple of drinks you’re bound to be hungry, and sometimes you want more than a bag of crisps or peanuts. If you’re like me, you’d prefer chowing down on something a little heartier when the drunchies strike.

So, if you want to eat great food and drink delicious craft beer in London, look no further. Whether you’re crazy about hoppy IPAs or if you prefer dark porters and stouts, you’re in for a treat at these four London beer havens.

The Latchmere

Battersea

One classic pub that just keeps on giving is The Latchmere. Located underneath the award-winning Theatre503, this gastropub serves an array of draught brews including an impressive craft beer selectIon. This stylish spot features wood panelling, leather furnishings and cosy fireplaces that create a charming atmosphere you’re sure to love.

The Latchmere’s beer selection is seriously on the money. On draught you can look forward to craft ales like Camden Pale Ale and the Lagunitas IPA, a hoppy favourite from California. We recommend taking a pint of Timothy’s Taylor’s Landlord, a pale ale that packs a citrusy punch. This beer goes down a treat with dishes like The Latchmere’s wild mushroom & spinach pearl barley risotto or the St. Louis barbecue pork ribs.

Dean Swift

Butler’s Wharf

Dean Swift is one of those spots that you’ll be dying to revisit time and time again. After all, it’s probably one of best-known spots to drink craft beer in London. This gastropub boasts a menu of excellent British food, and most importantly, it serves some seriously delicious craft beer.

With a classic British pub feel, Dean Swift is the perfect place to introduce someone to craft beer for the first time. It’s a bar, a restaurant and a place where you can play board games or joke around with friends and family. This legendary watering hole places particular importance on showcasing local brews. We highly recommend ordering one of the beers from London’s own Beavertown Brewery. And if you like your beer heavy on the hops, try their 8 Ball Rye IPA, a beer inspired by classic American-style IPAs. It goes down perfectly with Dean Swift’s beer-battered haddock and chips.

Trafalgar Tavern

Greenwich

If riverside dining and drinking sounds like a fun time to you, head to Trafalgar Tavern right along the Thames. This historic pub and restaurant on Greenwich’s Park Road serves classic British cuisine including their famous fish and chips and a signature burger that’s worth going out of your way for.

Trafalgar Tavern is known for showcasing locally brewed beers as well as high-quality international ales. We like the Adnams Ghost Ship, a classic pale ale with a pleasant malty aftertaste. If you’re an IPA-lover, take the Nelson Admiral IPA brewed with Kentish Cascade hops. This easy-drinker features citrusy notes that’s perfect for drinking on warm days. There’s plenty more where that came from at Trafalgar Tavern including bottled beers, ciders and the like. It’s an absolute must-visit for beer lovers and foodies alike!

The Birdcage

Stoke Newington

With a sleek design and a buzzing atmosphere, The Birdcage is a little different from the other bars on our list. That’s because it has a much more modern feel, including industrial-chic furnishings, exposed brick walls and a clean, sleek feel. Don’t let the word modern scare you off, though – there’s nothing sterile or stiff about The Birdcage. In fact, quite the opposite is true.

The Birdcage has TV screens for watching the big game, a spacious dining area and excellent food. And of course, there’s the beer. You can look forward to draught beers galore at this local gastropub. Check out the restaurant’s Sunday lunch offering and wash your meal down with a London Pale Ale by Meantime Brewing Company (or a more obscure brew if you feel like trying something new). The beer selection is known to switch up often, so check in to see what’s on draught each week.