Hello All, I just moved to London from Chicago, and I'm (obviously) not very familiar with the beer scene over here. What are some breweries/specific brews I should keep an eye out for? Where are some good places to buy craft beer? (Liquor stores don't seem to be a thing over here?) Any favorite beer bars? Cheers!
I'll simply direct you to this thread for starters http://beeradvocate.com/community/threads/london-beer-recommendations-for-visitors.96473/ You will probably glean much valuable info from it but if you require something a little more localised (whereabouts are you?) I'm sure someone could give you some recommendations.
Welcome to London! The beer scene here is amazing. That link should help you get started. Regarding bottle shops, you're not going to find anything close to Binny's. All the beer shops here are tiny and supermarkets usually don't have much selection. There are some decent online shops though. Here's a few: http://www.beermerchants.com http://www.beersofeurope.co.uk http://www.eebria.com http://www.alesbymail.co.uk
The London recs thread could probably do with an update. I know it's a bit out of the way but Brewdog Shepherd's Bush if miles ahead of the two listed branches. Also the Bermondsey Beer Mile is pretty much established as a thing now and there are four other breweries to add to the list.
Yeah, BrewDog Shepherd’s Bush would be a good addition along with Brew By Numbers and Craft Beer Co Clapham. Maybe a “Suggested pub/brewery crawls” section could be added.
Thanks for all the tips on places to go! Beyond where to go, I'm interested in what beer to try. What are your favorite craft beers?
As you're going to find out quite quickly most of the top tier London brewers constantly change their line-ups from week to week and even the hop bills in those beers that are supposed to be their regular offerings. So don't expect any kind of consistency around what's available. You just have to trust the brand. Beavertown is main exception to this in that they have a core range in addition to seasonals and one offs, all of which is excellent.
Just found this online. Completely subjective of course but should give you something to go on. I'd imagine that visiting these would bring you bang up to date on what's happening in the "London Beer Scene" http://londonist.com/2014/01/the-ten-best-craft-beer-pubs-in-london.php
Noted that the date is Jan 30th, but presumably written a while before or the guy who wrote it doesn't stay in tune with the ever evolving scene in London. Brewdog Shepherds Bush is far superior to the other two, so replace Camden with that straight off. Why Craft Islington ? Nothing wrong with the place but I'd go for Clapham as a more 'pleasant' place to drink with a great beer garden to boot (Again - not on the button in terms of recent venues). Where the fuck is the **** Tavern ??? Right up there in the top 3 London bars for sure. Also no mention of the Bermondsey arches - Saturday only granted but still ! 6/10 - subjective like you said but must try harder !
You should go to the Royal Oak on Tabard Street in Southwark. It's a Harvey's tied house and always has their Bitter and Mild on cask. It will give you a good idea of what British beer and pubs were like 40 or 50 years ago. One of my favourite pubs.
I am surprised. Not seeing much love for the Cask: Pub and Kitchen. I will have to broaden my horizons a little bit more when I return to the big smoke.
I love Cask! It's listed here: http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/london-beer-recommendations-for-visitors.96473/. It's still one of the best pubs for craft beer in London.
Do you guys have experience shipping beer from the UK to the US or the Continent? Tips? (Where to get packaging? Who to ship with? etc.)
I avoid it as a rule, I tend to just fly places and pay for an extra suitcase to fill with beer. I very occasioanlly do a one off post out. At Xmas just gone I sent my friend in PDX one bottle of Kernel Imperial Stout (one of the BA examples to be specific), that's a 330ml/12 oz bottle. Cost me just shy of £10 with Royal Mail.
