Best Bars For Beer Junkies

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By Lauren Cole Lead Editor, DesignMyNight Our Lead Editor, Lauren, has written about the UK's best restaurants, bars and experiences on DesignMyNight since 2021. Bylines in What's On Media Group. Last updated on 5th August 2026

When it comes to a night out in London it goes without saying that you are spoilt for choice no matter what you're looking for, whether it's cocktails at one of the world's best lounge bars or a burlesque show in Soho, London is your oyster. But in the beginning London was built on one thing, imperialism... OK two things, imperialism and beer. Most importantly beer. So let this list be a homage to that great London staple with a few unexpected twists that we've come to expect from a pint in London, because at the end of a long day we're all beer junkies at heart.




Mammoth Tap

If you're a beer junkie, be sure to check out Mammoth Tap in Leyton. This hop-tastic hub is run by Mark Pether and Vikram Gudi, who both know a thing or two about lip-smacking small batched brews. If you've also worked up an appetite, check out the Yard Sale pizza menu. 

Zerodegrees Blackheath

If you're looking for somewhere with a bit more modern style whilst you get your beer junky fix then head down to Zerodegrees in Blackheath.  This pristine bar & restaurant is perched delicately on the edge of the charming Blackheath Common in South East London. While your guests gorge on delicious Italian foods you can sample the delicious Zerodegrees brews made right on site in their own micro brewery. The perfect ruse right?

Pillars Brewery

Beer lovers can get their fix at Pillars Brewery in Walthamstow, an award-winning site that's been whipping up the freshest lagers around since 2016. Take a seat in their modern taproom for delicious pints of the stuff, as well as locally sourced stouts, pales and ciders, or take advantage of their outdoor tables during the summer. You can also nab tasty Indian street food from their on-site truck, and if you visit on a Sunday then they also offer free video games on old-school consoles, courtesy of RetroLDN.

Pretty Decent Blackhorse Road Brewery & Taproom

Situated on the Blackhorse Beer Mile, Pretty Decent Beer Co is an independent brewery and taproom serving up 20 different taps of craft beer brewed on site, from sours to stouts or IPAs. Head there on a Thursday to sample their weekly specials for just £4 a pint, and throughout the weeks you can tuck into cheesy slices of pizza from It's Not Big Dough, to be enjoyed in the bar area or on the sunny outdoor terrace.

The Old Brewery

Speaking of pubs with their own brewery, how about a pub that's built inside one? Yes beer junkies The Old Brewery bar in Greenwich will definitely have the goods to get you hooked with an amazing setting to match. Situated right by the river on the grounds of the Old Naval College, The Old Brewery is home to one of London's favourite beers, Meantime. You can book yourself a table or even take a tour of the brewery, it'll probably be the most inspiring pint you have. 

The Blue Monk

Making up part of the iconic Bermondsey Beer Mile, The Blue Monk is a great shout for sampling local craft beers. You'll find them at an affordable price too, as they promise fresh pints for just £6 each.

That's not all that's on offer here, as they also host a wide range of live music performances on stage - complete with a top-notch sound system. Plus, they show all the biggest sporting events on their big screen.

Albert's Schloss - Soho

Guinness on draft and 6 other offers

Looking for some of the finest beers from all over Europe? Then head to Albert's Schloss, found on Shaftesbury Avenue in the West End. They host a regular lineup of live music, from piano sessions to house bands and cabaret performances, to be enjoyed alongside steins from Germany, Belgium, Czechia and beyond. And if you're feeling peckish? Tuck into their mouthwatering menu of chicken schnitzel, crispy roasted pork and more.

3 Locks Brewery

Beer fans rejoice as 3 Locks Brewery is here to provide freshly made on-site sips from its ten taps. Looking over the canal and fronting liquorice all sorts-style interiors with pops of orange and checkerboard flooring, it makes for a cool and quirky hangout to enjoy a Hazy IPA or lager, whatever the weather.

Gipsy Hill Taproom

Nestled just a five-minute walk from Gipsy Hill Station, the Gipsy Hill Taproom is the heartbeat of Gipsy Hill Brewing, and the place to be for craft beer enthusiasts. With the freshest Gipsy Hill beers on draft, alongside a rotating selection of guest cask ales, wine, spirits, and lo/no alcohol options, there's something for every taste.

Stocked fridges feature the latest releases from Gipsy Hill and guest breweries, while local street food vendors rotate on-site to keep you well-fed. Plus, with free delivery from Yard Sale Pizza every day, you'll never go hungry. 

Malt Haus

Fancy trying out some locally produced beer? Part of the Pillars Brewery group, Malt Haus is a Walthamstow bar that serves some of the freshest pints around - including £5 pints of lager on Wednesdays.

This cool space features industrial-style interiors and a huge outdoor seating area featuring long wooden tables. There's also a delicious menu of Moroccan street food on offer, and they host quiz nights every Wednesday.

The Bedford: Balham's Music and Beer Festival

@ The Bedford on Sun, 20th Sep 2026 @ 12:00 - 20:00

Raise a glass to South London at Balham's returning Beer and Music Festival, running from 12pm to 8pm inside one of the area's most iconic pubs. Admission is £12, giving you access to a sprawling selection of 50 beers and ciders, brewer introductions and a soundtrack supplied by seven brilliant bands.

Raffle tickets cost an additional £1, offering the chance to take home seriously good prizes while supporting the day's festivities.

Chop Shop Tavern

Decked out in reclaimed wood with exposed brick walls, the Chop Shop Tavern is a must-visit for lovers of crisp pints and great atmosphere. From the mind behind Leyton Calling, there's a heavy focus on local breweries and independence.

Whenever you stop by, you can taste your way across six rotating taps of locally brewed beers. The bartenders here know their stuff too, so don't be afraid to pick their brains when it comes to the contents of your pint glass.

Burdock

The team at Burdock Café & Cocktail Bar on Liverpool Street are offering the ultimate Father's Day blowout. Enjoy a few beers - courtesy of the Long Arm Brewing Co - while taking on your old man at a few fun games of shuffleboard. Once the competition is over, you'll be able to tuck into a dirty burger, topped with heavy cheese and crispy onion rings.

St John’s Tavern

St John's Tavern is the Clapham free house offering up 20 beers on tap, rotating between South London's finest breweries. Each pint is reasonably priced and hand-selected, best enjoyed when washing down bottomless pizza and £1 wings or listening to live music.

Forest Road Taproom

The expertly curated selection of beers on offer at Forest Road Taproom is designed to appeal to every kind of beer lover. With signature staples and changing guest ales across its taps, whatever you drink, you can be sure that your preferred tipple is as fresh as it gets and packed with high-grade hops.

There's plenty to do as you make your way through the beer list too. Live sports, pool tables, Asian-inspired tacos and memorabilia-clad walls are the perfect accompaniment to a day on the IPAs.

Fabal Beerhall

If you're prone to a pint then you're going to love FABAL Beerhall nestled under the arches in Bermondsey Beer Mile. It's perfectly laid-back, spans 120 seats and its name means craft - which is exactly what you're going to get here. Enjoy some of the best English craft lager about under fairy lights or outside soaking up the sun. 

Hackney Church Brew Co Blackhorse Lane

Found on the Blackhorse Beer Mile, Hackney Church Brew Co is a top choice for both indoor and outdoor drinks. The Walthamstow taproom provides 7,000 square feet of space, where they serve award-winning craft beers brewed on-site.

Discover everything from refreshing pales to crisp lagers, with the odd seasonal special too. You can order food from local partners, while their events line-up features quizzes, themed nights, sports screenings and more.

Hiver Taproom

Hiver Taproom, a standout stop on the Bermondsey Beer Mile, specialises in honey beer and cider made with British ingredients and raw honeys, earning it multiple awards for flavour and craftsmanship. Just steps from Maltby Street Market, the venue sits in a sunny railway arch and boasts the largest beer garden on the mile, welcoming families and dogs alike.

From beer tastings and workshops to karaoke parties and off-site beekeeping sessions, the taproom's events calendar is packed with fun and flavour. Whether you're planning a private celebration or just popping in for a pint, Hiver delivers a unique blend of sustainability, creativity and good vibes.

BrewDog - Bars

You can't really class yourself as a true beer junky if you've not yet visited a Brewdog bar in London. This Scottish chain is slowly taking over the city, bringing its impressive range of own craft ales and fun times with it. Keep an eye out for their beer tasting classes, which turn punters into pint connoisseurs.

The Duke of Wellington

To achieve excellence in craft beers you'll want to visit the Duke Of Wellington in Dalston. The ideal bar for beer junkies in London, the Duke of Wellington is the only middle man between you and your brewer. They serve a whole range of world beers and local ales brewed within the vicinity of this trendy Dalston boozer. Why not book yourself a table and grab a few tasters for yourself?

The Cock Tavern

This unassuming pub is just a stones throw from Hackney Central station and yes it is as cool as you'd expect it to be based on this. The Cock Tavern in a independent boozer perched on top of one of London's most spectacular microbreweries, you might say it's kind of a Mecca for beer junkies in London. The uber friendly chaps behind the bar are more than happy to talk you through your taps whilst you chill out with cool rock and roll tunes. 

40FT Dalston

Situated in the vibrant Dalston, this bustling spot is home to unique craft beers that range from crisp lagers to hearty stouts and everything in between. 40ft Brewery uses traditional methods to create their distinctive pints, using locally sourced ingredients to add to their focus on sustainability. With a spacious garden area and beers for every budget, you don't want to miss out on this East London gem.

The Rake

Word of warning beer junkies, do not walk into The Rake bar near London Bridge and order economy export lager (for arguments sake lets call it Farlsberg), you will be marched out with little of your dignity in tact. Joking obviously, the bar staff at The Rake pub are actually some of the friendliest you'll meet this side of Disneyland, happy to help you choose from the 160 odd beers available and even let you try a few.

40ft Blackhorse Road

As you might expect from a bar on the Blackhorse Beer Mile, 40ft Blackhorse Road takes its hops mighty seriously. With exposed steel, polished wood and industrial interiors, it blends rustic charm with working brewery vibes.

Needless to say, its beer menu fits the bill too. There's all kinds of guest IPAs and craft ales up for grabs, with many brewed on-site.

Craft Beer Co Brixton

For a state-side bar to suit beer junkies in London why not try the Craft Beer & Co pub in Brixton. This chain has been slowly sweeping across London, soaking up a legion of beer junkies who just can't get enough of this American beer craze. There's more taps in this pub than a Michael Flatley (Riverdance) show each showcasing the worlds best in craft ales and lagers to suit the taste of even the most discerning beer junky in London.