A Taste of Camden’s Craft Beer Scene: The 3 Locks Brewing Company Tour and Tasting Experience
If you’re looking for an authentic, engaging way to explore London’s vibrant beer culture, the 3 Locks Brewing Company Tour in Camden offers a perfect blend of education, tasting, and fun. For just over $34, you’ll spend about an hour and 15 minutes immersed in the world of craft brewing—guided by knowledgeable staff, tasting from tanks, and getting a behind-the-scenes look at how local beers are made. The tour is capped at a small group of 12, which makes for a friendly, personalized atmosphere.
Two features really stand out. First, the opportunity to drink beer straight from the tank—something you won’t find just anywhere—adds a memorable touch for true beer enthusiasts. Second, the inclusion of a guided tasting of six different beers, plus a final welcome beer and a brewery-exclusive brew, makes this tour excellent value. The only real consideration? The tour doesn’t include food, so plan accordingly if you’re hungry.
This experience suits anyone with a curiosity about how beer is made—whether you’re a seasoned homebrewer or just someone who enjoys trying new brews. It’s especially perfect for those who appreciate a relaxed, small-group setting with a knowledgeable guide and a chance to learn more about Camden’s local brewing scene.
Key Points
- Small group size ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience.
- Beer straight from the tank offers a rare and memorable tasting experience.
- Includes a guided tour of the brewhouse with insights into the brewing process.
- Six beer tastings plus a final beer give a thorough sampling of what the brewery offers.
- 10% discount in the taproom allows for extra enjoyment after the tour.
- Free cancellation makes booking flexible and low-risk.
An Authentic Look at Camden’s Craft Beer Scene
The 3 Locks Brewing Company Tour provides a rare inside look at how one of Camden’s breweries crafts its beers. Located at Hawley Wharf, the brewery’s setting is casual and friendly, perfect for those who prefer their beer experiences with a local, authentic vibe. The cost of approximately £25 (around $34) is quite reasonable considering the depth of the experience, including a welcome beer, extensive tastings, and a tour that lasts just over an hour.
What makes this tour particularly appealing are the personalized touches—a small group size (max 12) ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd. The guide, often described as knowledgeable and entertaining, makes complex brewing processes accessible and fun. One reviewer praised Michael, the guide, for his ability to teach and entertain, making the experience both informative and enjoyable.
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The Itinerary: From Welcome to Final Cheers
The tour kicks off with a warm welcome and a beer served upon arrival—a nice touch that eases you into the experience. After that, you’ll proceed to a guided tasting of six different beers, each offering a variety of flavors and styles. What’s especially unique is the chance to sample beer straight from the tank, giving you a true taste of what the brewers are working on.
Following the tasting, there’s a short break before heading into the brewhouse itself. This part of the tour offers insight into the brewing process, including equipment, ingredients, and techniques used by the team. It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes look that makes beer appreciation much more meaningful. The tour concludes with a final beer, often a “well done” reward for completing the experience.
What’s Included and What’s Not
For the ticket price of around $34, you get quite a bit:
– A welcome beer to start.
– A guided tasting of six beers, ensuring you sample a good range of flavors.
– A beer from the tank—a highlight for beer aficionados.
– A final beer at the end of the tour to relax and reflect on what you’ve learned.
– A 10% discount in the taproom for additional drinks or merchandise.
However, food isn’t included in this experience, so plan to eat beforehand or after the tour to keep your energy up. The focus, after all, is on drinking and learning about beer.
Practical Details and Logistics
Starting at Arch 14, Water Lane, Hawley Wharf, the tour is quite accessible, near public transportation options. The small group size means that booking in advance—usually about a month ahead—is recommended, especially during busy periods. You’ll receive a mobile ticket for easy access, and the entire experience lasts just over an hour, making it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing or exploring Camden.
The cancellation policy is flexible—free up to 24 hours before—so if your plans change, you can cancel without penalty.
Authentic Experiences: What Travelers Love
Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, with one describing the experience as “fantastic,” highlighting how much they learned and how delicious the beers were. The small group setting adds an intimate feel, allowing for personalized attention and questions. Many mention the beer straight from the tank as a highlight—something that elevates this experience beyond typical tastings, making it memorable.
The opportunity to try six different beers provides a broad view of Camden’s craft offerings, and the discount in the taproom allows for continued enjoyment after the tour. Visitors also appreciate the relaxed atmosphere, making it accessible to both serious beer fans and casual drinkers alike.
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Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?
This tour is ideal for beer enthusiasts eager to learn more about brewing or taste beers they can’t find elsewhere. It’s also great for small groups or families, given the intimate size and friendly guide. If you enjoy authentic, behind-the-scenes experiences or want a relaxed intro to Camden’s brewing scene, this is a perfect choice.
Final Thoughts
The 3 Locks Brewing Company Tour offers a well-rounded, authentic, and fun introduction to craft beer in Camden. The combination of guided insights, tastings, and the chance to drink straight from the tank makes it a standout experience. For a modest price, you gain a deeper understanding of beer, enjoy some excellent pours, and support a local brewery.
If you’re someone who appreciates small-group encounters with a knowledgeable guide and a genuine look at how beer is made, this tour will delight you. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a relaxed, interactive experience without the fuss of larger, busier tours.
FAQs
How long is the brewery tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, including tastings and the brewhouse visit.
Is the tour suitable for non-drinkers or under-18s?
Since the experience is focused on tasting beer, it’s best suited for adults. The description doesn’t specify age restrictions, but typically, beer tours require participants to be of legal drinking age.
Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, making it flexible to adapt to your travel plans.
Does the tour include food?
No, food isn’t included in this experience. You might want to eat beforehand or afterwards to enjoy your beers comfortably.
Is it accessible near public transportation?
Yes, the meeting point at Hawley Wharf is near public transit options, making it easy to reach without a car.
What’s the maximum number of guests?
The tour is limited to 12 travelers, ensuring a personal experience and plenty of interaction with your guide.
In sum, the 3 Locks Brewing Company Tour provides an engaging, authentic taste of Camden’s craft brewing scene, perfect for those eager to understand what makes local beers special, while enjoying a friendly, small-group setting.
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