Visiting London Guide

[zer0]

If anyone is visiting Brew By Numbers, I run the Tap- and Tasting Room these days. Drop me a line and I'll show you around.

 

[opperkleurder]

If anyone is visiting Brew By Numbers, I run the Tap- and Tasting Room these days. Drop me a line and I'll show you around.

Plan to come tomorrow afternoon

 

[nathanmiller]

After a three year hiatus, I'm back in London Nov 27-Dec 8.

It's been ages, obviously, so all of the spots I used to go to are probably bland and boring. What's good these days?

Also, would anyone like to get together on the weekend and share some beers or meads?

 

[Padraig]

After a three year hiatus, I'm back in London Nov 27-Dec 8.

It's been ages, obviously, so all of the spots I used to go to are probably bland and boring. What's good these days?

Also, would anyone like to get together on the weekend and share some beers or meads?

What part of town are you going to be staying in? Newer bars (as in last 3-4 years) worth checking would be Mason & Co, Mother Kelly’s, Hoplocker (outdoors though). Bottle shops worth checking - Hop, Burns & Black, Caps ‘n Taps, Kill The Cat. The Bottle Shop in Bermondsey often have tap takeovers on Friday evenings and are right beside BBNo and Anspatch & Hobday. Also might be worth heading up to Beavertown in the Saturday daytime. I say that although I’ve never actually made it myself.

RB LDN crew are usually up for opening lots of bottles. Let me know if you want me to put you in contact. You might already know Leighton?

 

[nathanmiller]

What part of town are you going to be staying in? Newer bars (as in last 3-4 years) worth checking would be Mason & Co, Mother Kelly’s, Hoplocker (outdoors though). Bottle shops worth checking - Hop, Burns & Black, Caps ‘n Taps, Kill The Cat. The Bottle Shop in Bermondsey often have tap takeovers on Friday evenings and are right beside BBNo and Anspatch & Hobday. Also might be worth heading up to Beavertown in the Saturday daytime. I say that although I’ve never actually made it myself.

RB LDN crew are usually up for opening lots of bottles. Let me know if you want me to put you in contact. You might already know Leighton?

Staying in Canary Wharf, I usually try to stay near Hyde Park but my favorite hotel was booked up, what can I do. I appreciate the recs. And sure, I'd be interested in meeting up with some rb folks. I don't think I know Leighton but I might be wrong?

 

[Padraig]

In and around Canary Wharf has improved slightly in recent years. There’s a recently renovated Fuller’s pub, used to be called The Cat & The Canary, unsure of the new name that has a decent enough selection. There’s also a newly opened Craft Beer Co in Limehouse. While it’s nowhere near as good as the central branches it’ll have something worthwhile on if you can’t be bothered travelling one evening.

You can get to Hop, Burns & Black relatively easily from Canary Wharf. Would definitely suggest checking it out. It’s their 3rd birthday that week and they’ve got a few decent sounding collabs coming out including one with Cloudwater. Also Jen and Glenn are cool as ****. Tell them I sent you.

 

[Padraig]

FYI Nath.

 

[duceswild]

After a three year hiatus, I'm back in London Nov 27-Dec 8.

It's been ages, obviously, so all of the spots I used to go to are probably bland and boring. What's good these days?

Also, would anyone like to get together on the weekend and share some beers or meads?

I will be around some if you want to meet up and share a few.

 

[nathanmiller]

FYI Nath.

Whoa whoa whoa. Game changer.

I will be around some if you want to meet up and share a few.

Would love to meet up for a drink. I did bring a few beers but for a share I committed to on Weds, so I unfortunately will unlikely have more to share I didn't come that prepared because I didn't want to bring too much ****, etc.

 

[Leighton1]

Sorry I didn't pick this up sooner!

Was great to meet Nathan last week. Hoping he makes it to Pigs Ear on Tuesday for a very British beer festival.

 

[Padraig]

He’s got the beard. Just needs the beer gut and the sandals to fit right in.

 

[Gaseous Clay]

I will be in London for a few days in May before heading to Belgium. First time in London, so very excited. A few questions for the locals and those who have been before:

I’ll be staying in Bayswater. Are there any recommended pubs, restaurants, or bars in the area? I checked the map on the first page and didnt see anything on it.

Since I’ll be taking the Eurostar, would it be recommended to take the Tube from Paddington to St Pancras or will the transfers make it unpleasant with luggage (and thus not worth it?) I figure a cab would be easier but certainly more expensive (thinking like $20?)

Anything else someone who’s never been to London should know? I know to look the opposite way I would normally look when crossing the street, always queue, and stand on the left when on the escalator, anything else?

 

[Spoonsock]

Ok

 

[flexabull]

I will be in London for a few days in May before heading to Belgium. First time in London, so very excited. A few questions for the locals and those who have been before:

I’ll be staying in Bayswater. Are there any recommended pubs, restaurants, or bars in the area? I checked the map on the first page and didnt see anything on it.

Since I’ll be taking the Eurostar, would it be recommended to take the Tube from Paddington to St Pancras or will the transfers make it unpleasant with luggage (and thus not worth it?) I figure a cab would be easier but certainly more expensive (thinking like $20?)

Anything else someone who’s never been to London should know? I know to look the opposite way I would normally look when crossing the street, always queue, and stand on the left when on the escalator, anything else?

I would just take the Tube. Depending on which station you are near you might be able to get to St Pancras without having to transfer. I'm kinda cheap so I didn't might carrying luggage.

I was in London last year and stayed in Paddington so I was pretty close to where you are staying. Not a whole lot beer wise in the area, but we went to a pub called the "Monkey Puzzle" a couple of times and enjoyed it quite a bit. Nothing special beer wise, but the people that ran the place were super friendly.

 

[Gaseous Clay]

I would just take the Tube. Depending on which station you are near you might be able to get to St Pancras without having to transfer. I'm kinda cheap so I didn't might carrying luggage.

I was in London last year and stayed in Paddington so I was pretty close to where you are staying. Not a whole lot beer wise in the area, but we went to a pub called the "Monkey Puzzle" a couple of times and enjoyed it quite a bit. Nothing special beer wise, but the people that ran the place were super friendly.

Thanks! Tube looks to be easy since its only a few stops but would include a transfer. My main goal for london is as much traditional pub food and cask ale as I can humanly eat/drink. If Monkey Puzzle can deliver that i'll put it on my list!

 

[duceswild]

I will be in London for a few days in May before heading to Belgium. First time in London, so very excited. A few questions for the locals and those who have been before:

I’ll be staying in Bayswater. Are there any recommended pubs, restaurants, or bars in the area? I checked the map on the first page and didnt see anything on it.

Since I’ll be taking the Eurostar, would it be recommended to take the Tube from Paddington to St Pancras or will the transfers make it unpleasant with luggage (and thus not worth it?) I figure a cab would be easier but certainly more expensive (thinking like $20?)

Anything else someone who’s never been to London should know? I know to look the opposite way I would normally look when crossing the street, always queue, and stand on the left when on the escalator, anything else?

Recommend uber (est. £10) to kings cross or bus from that area. Beer wise in the local vicinity I'd recommend the mall tavern. They are on untappd so you can see what they have but be fair warned prices are higher than what you'd be used to paying in the US. Many other places though throughout the city.

If you want to meet up for a drink or open a few bottles let me know. Also happy to pass along other recommendations.

 

[Gaseous Clay]

Recommend uber (est. £10) to kings cross or bus from that area. Beer wise in the local vicinity I'd recommend the mall tavern. They are on untappd so you can see what they have but be fair warned prices are higher than what you'd be used to paying in the US. Many other places though throughout the city.

If you want to meet up for a drink or open a few bottles let me know. Also happy to pass along other recommendations.

Wow thank you!

10 pounds for uber seems reasonable since I wont be traveling alone. Its not too much more than taking the tube at that price.

I appreciate the recommendations! Mall tavern looks to be fairly close to where im staying so I will have to drop in. Pretty much everything in London is more expensive than what i'd pay for it in the US so that is to be expected.

If my partner is game to meet up with a TBer I will certainly reach out.

 

[BeerWorld]

Is there anywhere in London where you can find vintages of Old Chimneys Good King Henry Special Reserve (any vintage will do)? Will be in London in 2 weeks and would like to try it. Cheers.

 

[Padraig]

Is there anywhere in London where you can find vintages of Old Chimneys Good King Henry Special Reserve (any vintage will do)? Will be in London in 2 weeks and would like to try it. Cheers.

No, it doesn’t go into distribution. Should be easy enough to trade for though. I would try to get an older vintage if possible.

 

[Padraig]

Wow thank you!

10 pounds for uber seems reasonable since I wont be traveling alone. Its not too much more than taking the tube at that price.

I appreciate the recommendations! Mall tavern looks to be fairly close to where im staying so I will have to drop in. Pretty much everything in London is more expensive than what i'd pay for it in the US so that is to be expected.

If my partner is game to meet up with a TBer I will certainly reach out.

If you’re going to be in Kings Cross would suggest checking out Spiritland. It’s a ridiculously high end audiophile bar in the Japanese style. They had Cloudwater on last time I was there. Near’ish to the Queen’s Head which is a great little pub.

 

[Gaseous Clay]

If you’re going to be in Kings Cross would suggest checking out Spiritland. It’s a ridiculously high end audiophile bar in the Japanese style. They had Cloudwater on last time I was there. Near’ish to the Queen’s Head which is a great little pub.

Im supposed to show up early for my train anyway so might as well hit that spot before checking in (unless I can check in and dip out for a bit). Thanks for the recommendation! If you know any other recommendations (or happen to know of any good music events going down the last week of may) feel free to drop me a line.

 

[Kraftster]

Will be traveling to London from Brussels on 5/4 after Quintessence and some tourism in Belgium. Me, wife, and two kids (3 and 6).

Beer related question is: anything new that is must-see? I reviewed the older points in the thread and found some things that still look useful, but I imagine there's some new stuff to see at this point too?

A couple non-beer related Qs if anyone cares to offer an opinion:

(1) I'm an Arsenal fan and would like to try to take at least my 6 year old daughter to the Arsenal v. Burnely game @ the Emirates while I'm in town. Any good secondary market options for tickets? Could I reasonably wait to get tickets until I get there? Seems like this is a good year for it since there won't be anything being played for at that point.

(2) Staying at an AirBNB in Brussels. Have had a couple folks suggest we not do that in London because of something along the lines of "you need to book everything in London, and hotels can help you with booking." We don't have any firm plans just yet, but I'm sure we'll do some of the major tourist stuff it being our first time and being there with kids, we won't be able to get too adventurous. Anyone support/contest this idea? Anyone stay in AirBNB in London before with positive/negative experience?

 

[JCastle1]

Will be traveling to London from Brussels on 5/4 after Quintessence and some tourism in Belgium. Me, wife, and two kids (3 and 6).

Beer related question is: anything new that is must-see? I reviewed the older points in the thread and found some things that still look useful, but I imagine there's some new stuff to see at this point too?

A couple non-beer related Qs if anyone cares to offer an opinion:

(1) I'm an Arsenal fan and would like to try to take at least my 6 year old daughter to the Arsenal v. Burnely game @ the Emirates while I'm in town. Any good secondary market options for tickets? Could I reasonably wait to get tickets until I get there? Seems like this is a good year for it since there won't be anything being played for at that point.

(2) Staying at an AirBNB in Brussels. Have had a couple folks suggest we not do that in London because of something along the lines of "you need to book everything in London, and hotels can help you with booking." We don't have any firm plans just yet, but I'm sure we'll do some of the major tourist stuff it being our first time and being there with kids, we won't be able to get too adventurous. Anyone support/contest this idea? Anyone stay in AirBNB in London before with positive/negative experience?

1) https://www.reddit.com/r/Gunners/wiki/faq#wiki_1._where_can_i_buy_tickets.3F

2) I've used Airbnb in London with absolutely no issues. What type of stuff are you looking to book? Most things can be found online these days.

 

[Shakedwnst]

1) https://www.reddit.com/r/Gunners/wiki/faq#wiki_1._where_can_i_buy_tickets.3F

2) I've used Airbnb in London with absolutely no issues. What type of stuff are you looking to book? Most things can be found online these days.

We just went to London and stayed in a hotel for the early check-in. Otherwise they weren’t of much help.

I’d be curious what needs to be booked using a hotel. London eye is one of the few attractions I looked at that seemed to sell out.

The other thing I noticed is you can always pay a slight premium to do these things through a tour company (they seem to be the ones that buy up all the tickets)

 

[Sage1]

Hello! I’ll be in London for a few days mid-November – haven’t booked a hotel yet but probably staying nearish to Hyde Park. I’m the kind of person who prefers to go to places that are quiet and not too busy so that I can sit at the bar top and just talk idly with the bartender, especially if they’re also kind of a beer dork. As I’ll be traveling solo on this trip, that preference is doubly so (I don’t want to just have my nose buried in my phone the entire time). Any recommendations for places that fit that bill?

 

[Padraig]

Central London bars don’t typically have seating at the bar so it’s more a case of standing there. Also the good ones tend to be pretty busy so talking at the bar isn’t really a thing. It’s different in the suburbs and quieter neighborhoods. Having said that places like Craft Beer Co. in Farringdon have banks of seating around the wall and small high tables where it’s very easy to get talking to people around you. It’s a definite beer nerd hangout. Would also suggest The Harp near Trafalgar Square. It’s an exceptional cask beer pub, like seriously I’ve had some transcendental experiences in there drinking stuff like Dark Star - Hophead and Crouch Vale - Brewer’s Gold. The Rake in Borough Market is another tiny pub that always has good stuff on and it’s quite jovial. There are other newer nerd hang outs like Beer Merchants Tap are worth checking (they are Cantillon’s uk distributor).

I can’t think of much to recommend around Hyde Park. All the good stuff is out East or south of the river. Maybe jump on the Victoria Line and head down to The Cask in Pimlico. My knowledge is all 2 years out of date though and stuff moves there pretty fast there these days.

 

[Sage1]

Central London bars don’t typically have seating at the bar so it’s more a case of standing there. Also the good ones tend to be pretty busy so talking at the bar isn’t really a thing. It’s different in the suburbs and quieter neighborhoods. Having said that places like Craft Beer Co. in Farringdon have banks of seating around the wall and small high tables where it’s very easy to get talking to people around you. It’s a definite beer nerd hangout. Would also suggest The Harp near Trafalgar Square. It’s an exceptional cask beer pub, like seriously I’ve had some transcendental experiences in there drinking stuff like Dark Star - Hophead and Crouch Vale - Brewer’s Gold. The Rake in Borough Market is another tiny pub that always has good stuff on and it’s quite jovial. There are other newer nerd hang outs like Beer Merchants Tap are worth checking (they are Cantillon’s uk distributor).

I can’t think of much to recommend around Hyde Park. All the good stuff is out East or south of the river. Maybe jump on the Victoria Line and head down to The Cask in Pimlico. My knowledge is all 2 years out of date though and stuff moves there pretty fast there these days.

Perfect – even with the caveat of having been away for a couple years, this is exactly the kind of information I’m looking for. Thanks so much!

 

[duceswild]

Hello! I’ll be in London for a few days mid-November – haven’t booked a hotel yet but probably staying nearish to Hyde Park. I’m the kind of person who prefers to go to places that are quiet and not too busy so that I can sit at the bar top and just talk idly with the bartender, especially if they’re also kind of a beer dork. As I’ll be traveling solo on this trip, that preference is doubly so (I don’t want to just have my nose buried in my phone the entire time). Any recommendations for places that fit that bill?

Feel free to hit me up before you visit would be happy to meet up for a drink or can share recommendations for places to visit. A decent place in West London is The Mall Tavern.

 

[Padraig]

The Kings Arms in Bethnal Green is another good one. Staff were always really cool in my experience. Bit of a hangout spot for various faces on the scene (brewers, journalists, beer Twitterati, general hangers-on). The hideous quality of the cask was a bit of a running joke but the keg selection is usually great. Lots of takeovers, MTBs etc.

 

[Taboada]

Hi guys,

My first post here.

I´m planning a weekend in London for next month (from October 12th Friday till October 14th Sunday). I arrive to Gatwick and I have a Hotel room booked near Whitechapel tube station.

My initial idea is doing a pub-crawl on Friday around Hackney area, something like this:
Brewdog Tower Hill (12:00h), Craft. Beer Co. St. Mary Axe (13:00h), Hotel Check In (14:00h). Public transport to The Cock Tavern (15:00h), St. John at Hackney (16:00h), Clapton Craft (17:00h), The Experiment (18:00h), Deviant & Dandy (19:30h), Redchurch (21:00h), Signature Taproom (22:15h) till late.

Then, the Saturday doing the Bermondsey Beer Mile.

I´m travelling alone and in ticking mode so if anyone wants to pop up at some point for a bottle share or pub crawling, please feel free to contact me.

Cheers!