Where to Take a Brewery Tour in London

Taking a tour of London’s historic breweries is a treat for any beer and history buff, and it’s a trip that you’ll remember for years–no matter how much sampling you do. British beer is different from American beers in both taste and consistency, and once you’ve tried a classic ale or lager at some of London’s famous brewery houses, you’ll have a hard time switching back to your usual brew from a can or bottle. Here’s where to enjoy a brewery tour on your next visit to London:

For over 160 years, the home of Fuller, Smith & Turner has been churning out fresh brews for locals and visitors alike. The tour will take you through the entire brewery wear you can watch the beer being made from scratch. You’ll also have a chance to visit the Hock Cellar, a room filled to the ceiling with barrels of London Pride, Organic Honey Dew, Chiswick Bitter, and other seasonal ales. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to sample and taste these classic ales, and since the tour is just under two hours, there’s even time to spend the rest of the day at Fuller’s Visitor Centre to enjoy a full pint (or two). Fuller Smith & Turner can be found at the Griffin Brewery in Chiswick, right near the heart of London. Call +44(0) 20 8996 2063 for more information.

Pitfield Brewery is only a few decades old, but it’s a completely operational mini-brewery that offers plenty of unique homebrews for adventurous tasters. The shop itself helped bring back ale-drinking in the London area, and although it had some success with selling beer to the public at The Beer Shop, its now selling its inventory online. The brewery has made itself a new home just outside Colchester, a short drive from London. The tour takes you through the brewery, and you have a chance to soak up the stories of the brewers while you’re there. The Brewery is located on the corner of London Road, in Great Horkesley. Call +44(0)20 0845 833 1492 for more information.

When you’re ready for a trip to the museum on your great beer explorations, The Ram Brewery in Wandsworth is your ideal spot. This is Englands oldest beer site, producing thousands of barrels of beer since the days of Elizabeth I. The brewery has been passed down through the generations and continues to be one of the most popular places for Continental lagers and the classic stout. When you make a trip out there, be sure to catch a glimpse of the Shire horses manning the stables nearby. To this day, the horses help deliver fresh beer to the pubs throughout the town. Tours take place twice per day on just four days of the week, so call ahead for your reservation: +44(0)20 8875 7000

Be warned that pubs usually don’t offer tours to the general public. However, you may have a chance to take a look at the restaurant’s cellar or basement where they store inventory–if you ask nicely. Chandos in Covent Garden is worth a stop for an authentic pub experience, along with a sneak to the basement for their classic collection. It’s one of London’s most visited pubs, and it’s located at 29 St. Martins Lane. Call +44(0)20 7836 1401 for more information.

And when you’re ready to enjoy an authentic London beer experience, work up an appetite for the Ploughman’s lunch–the meal consists of a sandwich made with cheese and pickled onions, and a big glass of cold ale.