Discover London’s rich brewing legacy on this immersive Secret Beer Tour. Explore centuries-old traditions, from beloved porters to cutting-edge IPAs, as you visit carefully selected venues. Explore the vibrant Bermondsey Beer Mile, home to over 16 craft breweries, and tour a microbrewery, sampling beers straight from the tank. Savor around 8 diverse beer styles, from hop-forward IPAs to rich stouts, while learning the art and science behind the city’s thriving craft beer scene. Uncover hidden gems and gain a deeper appreciation for London’s beer-making heritage – there’s more to this tour than meets the eye.
Key Points
- Explore London’s rich brewing heritage dating back centuries, from beloved porters to cutting-edge IPAs.
- Sample around 8 different beer varieties, including IPAs, stouts, sours, and ales, at carefully selected venues.
- Discover the vibrant Bermondsey Beer Mile, home to over 16 craft breweries offering a unique range of artisanal beers.
- Tour a microbrewery and learn about the intricate brewing process, from malting to packaging.
- Enjoy salty snacks as the perfect complement to the varied flavors of the craft brews.
Historic Brewing Legacy
London’s historic brewing legacy dates back centuries, with the city’s location along the River Thames providing ideal conditions for the production of beer. Brewers have long taken advantage of the region’s abundant barley and clean water to craft a wide range of beloved beer styles.
From the beloved porters of the 18th century to the cutting-edge IPAs of today, London’s brewing scene has evolved dramatically over the years.
The tour explores this rich heritage, delving into the stories and techniques that have shaped the city’s beer culture. Whether you’re a lifelong ale enthusiast or a newcomer to the craft, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for London’s storied brewing traditions.
Venues and Beer Samples
The tour takes visitors to 3-4 carefully selected venues, immersing them in London’s vibrant beer scene.
At the first stop, an iconic 17th-century tap room by the River Thames, guests learn about the city’s storied brewing legacy as they sample a range of beer styles.
Next, the group ventures to the Bermondsey Beer Mile, home to over 16 craft breweries, where they tour a microbrewery and sample beers straight from the tank.
Throughout the experience, participants taste around 8 different beer samples, including IPAs, stouts, sours, and ales, gaining insights into the brewing process and beer tasting.
The tour provides a unique opportunity to explore London’s historic and contemporary beer culture.
Bermondsey Beer Mile
Bermondsey Beer Mile is a vibrant hub of craft breweries, where visitors can enjoy London’s thriving beer culture.
This bustling district, located just south of the River Thames, boasts over 16 independent breweries, each offering a unique range of artisanal beers that cater to diverse palates.
During the tour, guests will have the opportunity to explore this burgeoning beer scene, visiting several notable breweries and sampling an array of innovative brews.
From hop-forward IPAs to rich, velvety stouts, the Bermondsey Beer Mile showcases the creativity and passion of London’s craft beer community.
As visitors navigate this lively neighborhood, they’ll gain insider insights into the art of brewing and the stories behind these remarkable local enterprises.
Microbrewery Tour
A highlight of the Secret Beer Tour is the visit to a local microbrewery, where guests can sample beers straight from the tank.
Here, they’ll learn about the intricate brewing process and the passion that goes into crafting these unique, small-batch creations.
The tour guide will lead the group through the brewery, explaining the various stages of production, from malting and mashing to fermentation and packaging.
Guests will have the chance to taste the brewery’s signature offerings, savoring the nuanced flavors and aromas that differentiate these artisanal beers from mass-produced varieties.
This immersive experience provides a behind-the-scenes look at the art and science behind London’s vibrant craft beer scene.
Beer Tasting and Brewing
As part of the Secret Beer Tour, guests can expect to sample around 8 different beer varieties, encompassing a diverse range of styles from IPAs and stouts to sours and ales.
Guided by the expert tour leader, they’ll explore the nuances of beer tasting, learning how to identify the unique flavors, aromas, and characteristics of each brew.
Throughout the experience, the group will also discover the intricate brewing process, from malting and mashing to fermentation and packaging, gaining a deeper appreciation for the art and science behind London’s thriving craft beer scene.
The tour provides an immersive and educational journey, allowing participants to explore the rich history and vibrant present of beer-making in the heart of the city.
Tour Navigation
The guided tour expertly navigates participants between the historic sites of central London and the vibrant Bermondsey Beer Mile, providing an immersive journey through the city’s rich brewing legacy. Guests are led through the maze of cobblestone streets, discovering hidden gems and learning about the evolution of London’s beer culture. The tour seamlessly transitions between the iconic 17th-century tap room by the Thames and the modern microbreweries of the Bermondsey Beer Mile, offering a well-rounded experience that showcases the past and present of the local industry.
| Stops | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 17th-century tap room | Learn about beer history |
| Bermondsey Beer Mile | Visit over 16 craft breweries |
| Microbrewery | Sample beers straight from the tank |
Salty Snack Opportunity
Throughout the tour, participants have the opportunity to purchase salty snacks to enjoy alongside the beer samples. This option provides the perfect complement to the varied flavors of the craft brews, balancing the bold and complex notes with savory bites.
The tour guides encourage guests to indulge in these palate-cleansing snacks, enhancing the overall tasting experience and allowing them to fully appreciate the nuances of each beer.
Some of the salty snack options include:
- Freshly roasted peanuts
- Artisanal pretzel crisps
- Crunchy bread sticks
- Savory crackers and cheese
These salty treats not only pair well with the beer, but also help to refresh the palate, preparing participants for the next exciting sample on the tour.
Meeting Point and Times
On the Secret Beer Tour, you will meet at the Starbucks located in the Shad Thames Tower Bridge Piazza, at 49 Shad Thames in London, SE1 2N. The tour departs on Fridays at 5pm and on Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm. The meeting point is conveniently situated near the iconic Tower Bridge, allowing easy access to the historic brewing district of Bermondsey.
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Friday | 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 3:00 PM |
| Sunday | 3:00 PM |
This central location ensures a seamless start to the journey through London’s rich beer heritage, as the tour guide leads the group to uncover the city’s best-kept brewing secrets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, as the venues visited are equipped with ramps and elevators to accommodate guests with mobility needs. The tour provider ensures an inclusive experience for all participants.
Do I Need to Bring My Own Glass for the Beer Samples?
No, you don’t need to bring your own glass. The tour provider will supply the appropriate glassware for tasting the beer samples. This ensures a consistent and enjoyable drinking experience throughout the tour.
Can I Take Pictures During the Tour?
Yes, participants can take pictures during the tour. The tour guides encourage guests to capture the historic venues and their beer samples, allowing them to document the experience and share it with friends and family.
Is the Tour Suitable for Children?
While the tour may provide an interesting educational experience, it is generally not recommended for children. The tour primarily focuses on sampling various alcoholic beer selections, which would not be appropriate for minors.
Can I Purchase Additional Beers During the Tour?
Yes, participants can purchase additional beers during the tour. The tour allows opportunities to purchase more samples beyond the included tastings, allowing guests to explore London’s thriving craft beer scene at their own pace.
Recap
Enjoy London’s rich brewing legacy on this captivating Secret Beer Tour. Discover centuries-old traditions, from beloved porters to cutting-edge IPAs, as you explore the vibrant Bermondsey Beer Mile and tour a microbrewery, sampling diverse beer styles straight from the tank.
Uncover hidden gems and gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s thriving craft beer scene, leaving with a newfound love for London’s beer-making heritage.
