Bermondsey Beer Mile: The Ultimate Guide to London’s Craft Beer Paradise
The Bermondsey Beer Mile has transformed from industrial railway arches into London’s most exciting craft beer destination. Stretching well beyond its namesake mile through South London, this collection of breweries, taprooms, and craft beer havens offers an unparalleled experience for beer enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer aficionado or simply looking for a unique London experience, our comprehensive guide will help you navigate this beer lover’s paradise with confidence.
The History of Bermondsey Beer Mile
The Bermondsey Beer Mile’s origins can be traced back to 2009 when The Kernel Brewery established itself under the railway arches near London Bridge. This pioneering move sparked a craft beer revolution in the area. The affordable industrial spaces beneath the railway lines provided perfect conditions for small-scale brewing operations, with high ceilings, natural temperature control, and central London locations at fraction of typical commercial rents.
What began with a single brewery quickly expanded as other craft brewers recognized the area’s potential. By 2014, there were enough breweries clustered together to earn the nickname “Bermondsey Beer Mile.” Today, the trail has expanded well beyond a mile, hosting around 20 breweries and taprooms that showcase some of Britain’s most innovative and exciting craft beers.
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Planning Your Bermondsey Beer Mile Adventure
When to Visit
Saturday is undoubtedly the best day to tackle the Bermondsey Beer Mile, as all taprooms are open with the most generous hours. Many breweries operate with limited opening times during the week, with some only open on weekends. Sundays are also popular, though some venues close earlier than on Saturdays.
| Day | Recommendation | Notes |
| Saturday | Highly Recommended | All venues open, longest hours (typically 12pm-10pm) |
| Sunday | Good Option | Most venues open but with earlier closing (typically 12pm-7pm) |
| Friday | Decent Option | Many venues open from afternoon (typically 4pm-10pm) |
| Tuesday-Thursday | Limited | Fewer venues open, typically evening hours only |
| Monday | Not Recommended | Most venues closed |
Getting There
The Bermondsey Beer Mile is easily accessible from London Bridge station, which is served by both the Underground (Jubilee and Northern lines) and National Rail services. The western end of the beer mile is approximately a 10-minute walk from London Bridge, while the eastern end is close to South Bermondsey station.
Suggested Route
Most visitors tackle the Bermondsey Beer Mile from west to east, starting near London Bridge and ending at Fourpure Brewing Co. This approach allows you to begin with a visit to the excellent Maltby Street Market for some essential pre-beer sustenance. The full route covers approximately 2 miles, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Pro Tip: Start your journey with food! Maltby Street Market is just a short detour from the beginning of the beer mile and offers excellent street food options to line your stomach before the beer tasting begins.
Bermondsey Beer Mile Brewery Directory
The following directory includes all current breweries and taprooms along the Bermondsey Beer Mile, listed in geographical order from west to east. Opening times are accurate as of 2024, but we recommend checking individual brewery websites before visiting as hours can change seasonally.
Southwark Brewing Company
One of the original Bermondsey Beer Mile pioneers, Southwark Brewing Company focuses on traditional British brewing techniques applied to modern recipes. Their core range includes excellent cask ales alongside contemporary craft offerings. Southwark Brewing Company were the fifth brewery to open on the beer mile after a good idea between friends became a reality. Enjoy a pint under the railway arches.
Signature Beers: London Pale Ale, Bermondsey Best, Bankside Blonde
Opening Times: Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 5pm-10pm; Saturday: 12pm-7pm; Sunday: 1pm-5pm
Address: 46 Druid Street, SE1 2EZ
Kanpai London Sake Brewery & Taproom
For a delightful detour from beer, visit the UK’s first sake brewery. Founded by a husband and wife team after a trip to Japan, Kanpai offers a unique tasting experience with several varieties of sake brewed on-site. They also serve a selection of local craft beers for those who prefer to stick with hops.
Signature Drinks: Sumi Sake, Kumo Sake, Fizu Sparkling Sake
Opening Times: Wednesday & Thursday: 5pm-10pm; Friday: 5pm-10:30pm; Saturday: 12pm-10:30pm; Sunday: 12pm-7pm
Address: 48 Druid Street, SE1 2EZ
London Beer Factory – The Barrel Project
The Barrel Project is one of the most visually striking venues on the Bermondsey Beer Mile, with hundreds of oak barrels lining the walls. This impressive space focuses on barrel-aged and sour beers, offering a diverse range of experimental and traditional styles across 24 taps.
Signature Beers: Chelsea Blonde, Beyond the Pale, Sour Solstice series
Opening Times: Wednesday-Friday: 4pm-11pm; Saturday: 11am-11pm; Sunday: 12pm-7pm
Address: 80 Druid Street, SE1 2HQ
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Hiver Beers
Hiver specializes in honey beers, using British honey varieties to create distinctive flavor profiles. Their taproom offers a cozy space to sample their unique creations, along with a well-stocked fridge featuring beers from other Bermondsey breweries.
Signature Beers: The Honey Beer, Honey IPA, Honey Ale
Opening Times: Friday: 4:30pm-9pm; Saturday: 11am-8pm; Sunday: 12pm-6pm
Address: 56 Stanworth Street, SE1 3NY
Anspach & Hobday – The Arch House
Known for their exceptional porters and stouts, Anspach & Hobday has earned a reputation for quality traditional styles with contemporary twists. Their taproom offers 12 taps featuring their core range alongside seasonal and experimental brews.
Signature Beers: The Porter, London Black, The IPA
Opening Times: Wednesday: 5pm-9pm; Thursday: 5pm-10pm; Friday: 2pm-10pm; Saturday: 11am-10pm; Sunday: 12pm-6pm
Address: 118 Druid Street, SE1 2HH
Moor Beer Company Vaults
Bristol-born Moor Beer brings their naturally hazy, unfined beers to Bermondsey with an impressive taproom that’s known for its party atmosphere. Pioneers of the modern naturally hazy beer movement in the UK, they offer an excellent range of styles from session-strength to imperial. Head to Moor Beer Vaults and enjoy a slection of their beers.
Signature Beers: Revival, So’Hop, Confidence, Return of the Empire
Opening Times: Thursday: 2pm-10pm; Friday-Saturday: 12pm-10:30pm; Sunday: 2pm-8pm
Address: 71 Enid Street, SE16 3RA
Cloudwater Brew Co – 73 Enid Street
Manchester-based Cloudwater has established a London outpost on the Bermondsey Beer Mile, bringing their world-renowned hoppy creations to the capital. With 20 taps featuring their seasonal releases and core range, this beautifully designed taproom is often considered the heart of the beer mile.
Signature Beers: Pale Ale, DIPA series, seasonal IPAs
Opening Times: Tuesday-Thursday: 3pm-10pm; Friday: 1pm-10pm; Saturday: 1pm-10pm; Sunday: 1pm-8pm
Address: 73 Enid Street, SE16 3RA
Bianca Road Brew Co
Inspired by West Coast American brewing traditions, Bianca Road offers hop-forward beers in a spacious taproom with ample seating. Their commitment to sustainability includes using renewable energy and converting spent grain into biogas.
Signature Beers: LA Bloods (Blood Orange IPA), Motorcycle Oil (Black IPA), Session IPA
Opening Times: Wednesday-Thursday: 4pm-10pm; Friday: 4pm-11pm; Saturday: 1pm-11pm; Sunday: 1pm-6pm
Address: 83-84 Enid Street, SE16 3RA
The Kernel Brewery
The original Bermondsey Beer Mile brewery, The Kernel sparked London’s craft beer revolution when it opened in 2009. Known for exceptional quality across a wide range of styles, from historical recreations to modern IPAs, The Kernel remains a must-visit destination for serious beer enthusiasts.
Signature Beers: Table Beer, Pale Ale, Export Stout, London Sour
Opening Times: Thursday-Friday: 12pm-8:30pm; Saturday: 11am-8:30pm; Sunday: 12pm-8pm
Address: Spa Business Park, Spa Road, SE16 4QT
Fourpure Brewing Co
The eastern anchor of the Bermondsey Beer Mile, Fourpure’s impressive taproom features a staggering 43 taps in a massive industrial space. Their core range focuses on accessible, well-executed styles, while their seasonal and limited releases push boundaries with innovative ingredients and techniques.
Signature Beers: Pils Lager, Session IPA, Juicebox Citrus IPA, Oatmeal Stout
Opening Times: Thursday & Friday: 4pm-10pm; Saturday: 12pm-10pm; Sunday: 12pm-7pm
Address: Bermondsey Trading Estate, SE16 3LL
Practical Tips for Conquering the Bermondsey Beer Mile
Pace Yourself
With so many excellent breweries to visit, it’s important to pace yourself. Consider ordering third-pint tasters rather than full pints at each stop, and don’t feel obligated to visit every brewery in one day. Many regulars split the mile into multiple visits to fully appreciate each venue.
Start with Food
Begin your journey with a visit to nearby Maltby Street Market to line your stomach with some excellent street food before the beer tasting begins. Many breweries also offer snacks or host food trucks, particularly on weekends.
Bring Cash
While most venues accept cards, it’s always good to have some cash on hand, especially for smaller purchases or in case of technical issues with payment systems.
Check Opening Times
Opening hours can change seasonally, so it’s worth checking the social media accounts or websites of breweries you’re particularly keen to visit before setting out.
Consider a Guided Tour
If it’s your first visit to the Bermondsey Beer Mile, a guided tour can be an excellent way to get oriented. Tours typically include tastings at multiple breweries and insights from knowledgeable guides about the brewing process and local beer scene.
Transport Options
The western end of the beer mile is easily accessible from London Bridge station, while the eastern end is close to South Bermondsey station. Plan your exit strategy in advance, and remember that rideshare services like Uber are readily available in the area.
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Food Options Along the Bermondsey Beer Mile
While beer is the main attraction, you’ll need sustenance to keep you going. Fortunately, there are excellent food options in and around the Bermondsey Beer Mile.
Maltby Street Market
Located just off Druid Street, this weekend food market offers everything from gourmet sandwiches to international street food. It’s the perfect starting point for your beer mile adventure.
Opening Times: Saturday: 10am-5pm; Sunday: 11am-4pm
Brewery Food Offerings
Several breweries along the mile offer food options, from snacks to full meals. The Barrel Project, Fourpure, and Bianca Road regularly host food trucks on weekends, while others offer cheese and charcuterie boards.
Local Restaurants
The area around Bermondsey Street (a short walk from the western end of the beer mile) is home to numerous excellent restaurants and cafes, perfect for a pre or post-beer mile meal.
Why the Bermondsey Beer Mile is a Must-Visit for Beer Enthusiasts
The Bermondsey Beer Mile represents the heart of London’s craft beer revolution. What began as a single brewery has evolved into one of the world’s most concentrated collections of quality craft breweries, each with its own unique character and brewing philosophy. From traditional British ales to experimental sours, New England IPAs to barrel-aged stouts, the diversity of beer styles available along this stretch is truly remarkable.
Beyond the beer itself, the Bermondsey Beer Mile offers a glimpse into the creativity and passion that drives London’s craft beer scene. The repurposed railway arches provide a distinctive industrial backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the refined flavors in your glass. The brewers themselves are often on hand, eager to discuss their creations and share their knowledge with visitors.
Whether you’re a dedicated beer enthusiast or simply looking for a unique London experience, the Bermondsey Beer Mile delivers an unforgettable journey through flavor, craftsmanship, and community. So gather your friends, plan your route, and prepare to discover why this unassuming stretch of South London has become a pilgrimage site for beer lovers from around the world.
Ready to Experience the Bermondsey Beer Mile?
Book your guided tour today and discover the best of London’s craft beer scene with expert guides, special tastings, and behind-the-scenes insights. Book Your Beer Mile Adventure