London’s craft beer scene isn’t just growing-it’s thriving, and the nightlife has never been this good for beer lovers.
If you think London’s beer scene is all about lagers and pub chains, you’re missing out. Over the last decade, the city has exploded with independent breweries, taprooms, and pubs that treat beer like fine wine. You don’t need to go to Portland or Berlin to find bold, hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, or sour ales aged in whiskey barrels. London’s got them all-and the best spots are open late, loud, and full of people who know their hops from their malts.
Forget the tourist traps with six beers on draft and a menu full of fish and chips. The real craft beer nights in London happen in hidden alleys, converted warehouses, and basement bars where the taps change weekly and the staff can tell you exactly which farm the barley came from.
1. The Camberwell Arms - Where Local Meets Legendary
Just a short walk from Camberwell Green, this unassuming pub turned craft beer mecca has been a cornerstone of London’s beer culture since 2011. With 12 rotating taps and a fridge full of bottles from small UK and international brewers, it’s a place where you’ll find a New England IPA from Bristol next to a barrel-aged sour from Belgium.
What makes it stand out? The team doesn’t just serve beer-they curate it. They host monthly tap takeovers with breweries like Kernel, Beavertown, and Magic Rock. On a Friday night, the place fills with brewers, bartenders, and regulars debating the merits of dry-hopping techniques. The food? Simple, solid pub grub-salt and pepper squid, beef pies, and cheese boards that pair perfectly with a 7% double IPA.
They’re open until 1am on weekends, and the staff never rush you. If you’re new to craft beer, ask for the ‘Taster Flight’-four 1/3-pint pours of whatever’s trending that week. It’s the best way to start your night.
2. The Kernel Brewery - The Birthplace of London’s Hype
Founded in 2009 by Evin O’Riordain, The Kernel Brewery didn’t just make beer-it changed how London thought about it. Their original brewpub in Bermondsey is still the spiritual home of London’s craft movement. The space is raw: exposed brick, steel tanks, wooden benches. No frills. Just beer, and lots of it.
Kernel’s flagship is their Imperial Stout, clocking in at 10.5% ABV and aged in bourbon barrels. It’s rich, smoky, with notes of dark chocolate and burnt coffee. But they also make one of the cleanest, most balanced English Pale Ales in the country. Their IPA? Brutally hoppy, but never cloying.
They open at 5pm on weekdays and 12pm on weekends. The bar closes at 11pm, but if you’re still there at closing, they’ll often pour you one last pint. It’s not a party spot-it’s a pilgrimage. Come with a friend who knows what they’re drinking. Leave with a growler and a new favorite beer.
3. The Old Blue Last - The Unofficial Home of Indie Beer Nights
Nestled under the railway arches in Shoreditch, The Old Blue Last has been the go-to for beer nerds since 2007. It’s small, dimly lit, and smells like hops and damp concrete. But that’s the point. This place doesn’t care about Instagram aesthetics. It cares about flavor.
The tap list here is always changing. One night you might get a hazy IPA from a brewery in Cornwall. The next, a lactose-infused pastry stout from a tiny operation in Leeds. They work with over 60 breweries across the UK and Europe, and they rotate everything every 48 hours.
They’re open until 1am, and their Friday and Saturday nights are packed with live music-usually indie rock or jazz-played at just the right volume to talk over. The bar staff are experts. Tell them you like hoppy beers, and they’ll hand you a 5% session IPA you’ve never heard of but won’t forget. The food? Just pretzels, pickled eggs, and crisps. Perfect.
4. The Hail Mary - The Hidden Gem in Soho
Down a narrow alley behind a nondescript door in Soho, The Hail Mary feels like a secret you stumbled into. It’s tiny-barely 20 seats-and the walls are covered in vintage beer posters and handwritten tap lists. You won’t find this place on Google Maps unless you know the exact address.
They specialize in rare, limited releases. Think: a 2024 barrel-aged barleywine from a brewery in Tasmania, or a sour brewed with wild yeast from the forests of Yorkshire. They only serve beer from small, independent producers-no big names here. If you see a beer with a batch number and a handwritten label, you’re in the right place.
They open at 5pm and close at midnight. No reservations. Just show up. If you’re lucky, the owner will be behind the bar and will offer you a free pour of something new he just got in from Denmark. It’s the kind of place you tell your friends about in hushed tones.
5. The Hop & Lock - The Best for Group Nights
If you’re planning a night out with a group of friends who all have different tastes, The Hop & Lock in Peckham is your best bet. It’s one of the few places in London with a dedicated beer flight station-you pick six 1/3-pint pours from a wall of 40+ taps. Want a crisp pilsner, a fruity sour, a chocolate porter, and a triple IPA? Done.
They also have a rotating selection of 100+ bottled beers, including rare imports from Japan, Sweden, and the U.S. Their taproom is spacious, with long wooden tables and plenty of outlets for your phone. They host monthly beer-and-cheese pairing nights, and their staff are trained to walk you through flavor profiles like a sommelier.
Open until 1am on weekends, it’s loud, lively, and perfect for groups. Bring a crowd. Try the ‘Hop & Lock Challenge’-drink five different styles in one night and get a free T-shirt. No one’s done it yet. But plenty have tried.
What Makes a Great Craft Beer Pub in London?
Not all pubs that say ‘craft beer’ are worth your time. Here’s what separates the good from the great:
- Tap rotation-If they have the same 6 beers on draft every week, move on.
- Brewery transparency-Good spots list where the beer’s from, the ABV, and the style. If it just says ‘IPA,’ that’s a red flag.
- Temperature control-Craft beer is served at the right temp. If your IPA is ice-cold, it’s hiding flaws. The ideal range is 8-12°C for most ales.
- Staff knowledge-They should be able to explain what makes a sour different from a kettle sour, or why a dry-hopped IPA tastes fruity.
- Open late-The best places stay open past 11pm. If they close at 10:30, they’re not serious about nightlife.
What to Order When You’re Not Sure
Staring at a wall of 20 taps and don’t know where to start? Try this:
- Ask for a session IPA (4-5% ABV). It’s hoppy but drinkable-perfect for starting your night.
- If you like that, try a New England IPA (6-7% ABV). Cloudy, juicy, with tropical fruit notes.
- For something darker, go for a stout or porter. Look for one with coffee or chocolate notes.
- Feeling adventurous? Try a sour ale. Tart, refreshing, sometimes with fruit like passionfruit or raspberry.
- End the night with a barrel-aged beer. These are usually 8%+ and slow-sipped. Think bourbon, wine, or rum barrels.
When to Go and How to Avoid Crowds
Weekend nights in London’s craft beer bars get packed-especially Friday and Saturday. Here’s how to beat the rush:
- Weeknights (Tuesday-Thursday) are quiet and perfect for chatting with staff and trying new beers without the noise.
- Early evenings (5-7pm) are ideal for a relaxed start. Many places have happy hours with 20% off pints.
- After 10pm is when the real beer lovers arrive. If you want to hang out with brewers and collectors, show up late.
- Check their Instagram before you go. Most craft pubs post their tap list daily. You can plan your visit around what’s fresh.
Final Tip: Bring a Growler
Most of these places sell growlers-1.89L reusable bottles you can take home. They’re perfect if you find a beer you love but can’t finish in one night. Fill it up, cap it, and enjoy it the next day. Some places even let you bring your own growler for a discount.
London’s craft beer scene isn’t about fancy labels or loud music. It’s about people who care deeply about what’s in the glass. Go with an open mind, ask questions, and let someone who knows more than you pick your next pint. That’s how you find the best beer-and the best nights.
What’s the best time to visit London craft beer bars to avoid crowds?
The quietest times are Tuesday through Thursday evenings, especially between 5pm and 7pm. Many bars offer happy hours during this window, and you’ll have more time to chat with staff and try new beers without the weekend rush. If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere, show up after 10pm on weekends-this is when brewers and serious beer fans tend to gather.
Do London craft beer pubs serve food?
Yes, but don’t expect full menus. Most focus on simple, high-quality pub snacks that pair well with beer: salted pretzels, beef pies, cheese boards, pickled eggs, and crisps. Some, like The Camberwell Arms and The Hop & Lock, offer more substantial options like burgers and roasted vegetables. The food is designed to complement, not overpower, the beer.
Are London craft beer bars expensive?
Prices vary, but you’ll typically pay £5-£7 for a pint of craft beer, and £8-£12 for a limited or barrel-aged release. That’s more than a lager at a chain pub, but you’re paying for quality, small-batch brewing, and unique flavors you won’t find anywhere else. Many places offer 1/3-pint taster flights for £10-£15, which lets you sample multiple styles without overspending.
Can I buy beer to take home from these pubs?
Absolutely. Most craft beer pubs in London sell growlers (1.89L reusable bottles) and sometimes 500ml bottles or cans. Some even let you bring your own container for a small discount. This is a great way to take your favorite beer home and enjoy it later. Just ask the staff-they’ll help you choose something that travels well.
Do I need to book a table at London craft beer bars?
Most don’t take reservations-they’re first-come, first-served. This keeps the vibe casual and local. If you’re going with a group of six or more, it’s worth calling ahead to ask if they can hold space. But for most people, showing up and grabbing a spot at the bar is part of the experience.
