We’ve rounded up the best beer experiences and extravaganzas in London.
There is a celebratory day for everything and tomorrow is International Beer Day, when beer-lovers raise a toast to the noble brewers, the humble hops and their fellow beer drinkers worldwide. If the summer of wall-to-wall sunshine we are experiencing isn't reason enough for an ice-cold beer, this day of international beer festivities offers a great excuse for Londoners to pull a pint and drink in the evening sun. We've rounded up the best beer experiences and extravaganzas to celebrate International Beer Day.
Lagunitas Beer Circus
Flat Iron Square on Bankside is quickly becoming a right little foodie hangout to rival Borough Market. For international beer day they are offering something a little more out there - a Beer Circus! Yes, you heard that correctly. Californian brewery Lagunitas, who like to do things a little different (apparently Cannabis infused beer is ok in Cali) are crossing the pond to offer you the opportunity to “to gaze on a once in a lifetime sight that cannot be unseen! A magical selection of brews paired with a whirling frenzy of freaktacular Beer Circus entertainment that is sure to amaze even the hairiest of eyeballs…†There will be Aerial artists, face painting, a roaming marching band, a costume contest - and beer obviously. We are assuming it’s all legal…
Lagunitas Beer Circus is coming to Flat Iron Square on 18 August, 12.30 pm - 11 pm. Tickets are £15 and all profits are donated to www.wildatheartfoundation.org/
London Craft Beer Festival
This August will see the London Craft Beer Festival return with their biggest celebration of modern beer to date. Now in its 6th year, the Festival is moving to a new location at the Tobacco Dock to give even more room to over 65 breweries from across the globe showcasing their creations, many bringing limited-edition brews made exclusively for the festival. The brewers will be joined by some of London’s best restaurants and chefs serving up a selection of top dishes, plus live music and top-notch DJs. The ‘all in’ ticket concept means you can try whatever you want with complete freedom, enjoying unlimited 100ml pours from a 100 strong selection of beers as well as a selection of cider, wine, gin, whisky, and soft drinks. So whether you know the big hitters you’re going after or are looking to discover something new, this is the festival for you.
London Craft Beer Festival is at the Tobacco Dock, Wapping 3 - 5 August. Tickets are £46.50.
Beer Brunch at Draft House Charlotte
Need an excuse to start drinking early in the morning? You might want to talk to your GP about that, but London is catering for all tastes and habits, and over in Fitzrovia, you can have beer for brunch every Saturday. Draft House on Charlotte Street has 10 beers from around the world on cask or keg, and for the price of £15 you can try 6 of them in 1/3 pints (you are here as a beer connoisseur not to get drunk, you see!) served with a breakfast burger topped with bacon and eggs.
Beer Brunch takes place every Saturday from 12 - 4 pm at Draft House, Charlotte Street in Fotzrovia. Tickets are £15.
Bermondsey Beer Mile
Any self respecting beer fan in London really needs to head to the Bermondsey Beer Mile, which has gained a real reputation for being the capital of London beer. Bermondsey is full of brewing history, from the old days to its recent revival, and these days there are around 15 breweries, bottle-shops and bars on the square mile between Southwark Brewery and Partizan and Fourpure Co. Bermondsey has become a haven not just for beer drinkers, but for people who like food and drink in general, so make sure you come hungry so you can indulge in the various forms of street food that pop-up along the way as you meander through the backstreets, alleyways and railway arches of Bermondsey. You can go on your own or book an organised walking tour by UK Brewing Tours every Saturday.
Bermondsey Beer Mile is located roughly between London Bridge and South Bermondsey Station.
UBREW
Part of the Bermondsey Beer mile, UBrew is a brewery where you can brew your own! They offer a variety of courses in the art of brewing, sparging malt, adding hops and pitching beer under the guidance of one of their brewing experts. At the end of the experience, you will be able to take home a case of roughly 15 beers completely brewed by yourself. If you consider yourself an expert already and just need some really good equipment, you can become a member and use their gear to brew your own on a more permanent basis. It’s an open membership so you can share the work and the cost with up to 5 friends. Or, of course you can always just pop by and visit the taproom for International Beer Day and then return to your trusted G&T’s and Espresso Martinis. Cheers!
UBREW is at 29-30, Old Jamaica Business Estate, 24 Old Jamaica Rd, London SE16 4AW