London’s reputation as a global capital isn’t just about historic landmarks or world-class theaters; it’s also a thriving hub for craft beer. The city’s diverse neighborhoods are dotted with innovative breweries, each offering unique flavors and stories. Whether you’re a beer novice or a seasoned connoisseur, London offers a variety of brewery tours that immerse you in the local beer culture. Among our favorites are the 3 Locks Brewing Company tour in Camden—where you can sip beer straight from the tank—and a full day exploring the East End’s craft scene. Each tour offers something different, from intimate tastings to comprehensive brewery crawls, making London a perfect city for beer lovers.
Quick Overview
This guide covers four standout brewery tours, each with its own vibe and focus. There’s the intimate 3 Locks Brewing experience in Camden, the longer and more social East End Craft Brewery tour, a North London brewery hop, and a Brixton-focused craft beer journey. All of these are carefully chosen for their authenticity, quality, and unique features. Now, let’s dive into what makes each one special.
1. 3 Locks Brewing Company Tour and Tasting Experience in Camden
For around $34.29, the 3 Locks Brewing Company tour offers a condensed yet immersive experience. It lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes and includes a guided tour of the brewhouse, a tasting of six of their beers, and the chance to drink beer straight from the tank—a real treat for true beer geeks. The tour begins with a beer on arrival and continues with a detailed look at the brewing process. What sets this apart is the hands-on approach: you get to see and taste fresh beer from the tanks, which is rare outside of brewery openings.
The guide, Michael, is praised for being knowledgeable and entertaining, making complex brewing details easy to understand. The tour also includes a 10% discount in the taproom for beers and merchandise, adding great value. With a perfect 5/5 rating from 20 reviews, this tour is ideal for those who want a quick, fun, and authentic brewery experience in Camden, especially if you love tank-to-tap beer. It’s perfect for a short stop in London or for those who want a personalized brewery tour with a lively atmosphere.
Bottom Line: If you want a bite-sized tour with a behind-the-scenes look at brewing and the chance to taste beer straight from the tank, this is a top choice.
2. East End Craft Brewery Tour
Spanning 3 to 4 hours and costing about $67.49, the East End Craft Brewery Tour is perfect for those wanting to spend a relaxed afternoon exploring London’s vibrant craft beer scene. Based in Bethnal Green, it highlights the so-called “beer mile”, home to over 130 breweries, many of which are tucked into modest taprooms. This tour visits four breweries—The Five Points Brewery, Forest Road Brewing Co., Hackney Church Brew, and Deviant & Dandy Brewery—each with its own style and story.
Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour involves sampling half-pints or 2/3 of a beer at each stop, giving you a true taste of the craft scene. Highlights include the chance to sample Famous Five Points beers in their courtyard and explore Deviant & Dandy’s range of lagers and sours. The tour is flexible; if you’re having a great time, your guide can extend the visit or visit additional venues. It’s ideal for social travelers eager to meet fellow beer lovers and discover lesser-known breweries.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting an extended, social beer crawl that showcases east London’s innovative breweries and offers a mix of education and fun.
3. North London Craft Brewery Tour
At just over $67, North London Craft Brewery Tour takes you on a half-day journey through some of the best breweries in North London. It’s a great choice if you prefer a more relaxed pace without sacrificing the depth of experience. The tour visits four breweries: Hackney Brewery & High Hill Taproom, Wild Card Brewery, Exale Taproom, and Signature Brew.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on local, top-rated breweries. The guide, an expert on the area, makes logistics easy and ensures you learn about the brewing process, the history of each location, and the flavors that make each brewery unique. The all beer tastings are included, removing any guesswork about costs. The group size is small enough for personalized attention, and the route offers a good variety of styles, from lagers to experimental beers.
While reviews are limited, the personal touch and focus on North London’s craft scene make this a solid choice for travelers interested in regional beer culture. It’s especially suited for those wanting a rundown without a full day commitment.
Bottom Line: Great for beer enthusiasts who want an educational, relaxed tour with quality breweries in North London.
4. Brixton Craft Brewery Tour
Pricing at about $67.06 and lasting roughly 3 hours, the Brixton Craft Brewery Tour is perfect for fans eager to focus on Brixton’s lively beer scene. Led by a certified beer sommelier, this tour combines local brewery visits with expert insights. It takes in four key spots: Dogs Grandad Brewery, London Beer Lab, Brixton Brewery, and Friendship Adventure Brewery.
What sets this experience apart is the guided tasting and beer education. The guide offers tips on pairing and making the most of each sip, which enhances the tasting experience. The breweries include Dog’s Grandad, known for hoppy pale ales, and the London Beer Lab, which doubles as a homebrewing training center. The tour ends with plenty of time to linger in the taprooms, making it a social experience.
Rated highly for its informative nature and local flavor, this tour appeals to those who want to understand the heritage and craftsmanship behind Brixton’s beers. The small-group format makes it easy to ask questions and develop new favorites.
Bottom Line: An ideal choice for beer aficionados who want an expert-led, in-depth exploration of Brixton’s craft scene.
How to Choose the Best Brewery Tour for You
When deciding between these tours, consider your budget, time, and interests. For a quick, tank-to-tap experience with a passionate guide, the 3 Locks Brewing tour stands out. If you love longer, social outings and want to explore London’s wider craft scene, the East End Craft Brewery or North London tours are excellent options. The Brixton tour offers a more focused, educational experience with a beer sommelier.
Think about whether you prefer shorter experiences or want to spend more time sampling and learning. Also, consider how much walking or standing is involved and if you want a guided group or a more flexible, linger-friendly visit. Booking early is advisable, especially in warmer months or weekends when tours fill quickly.
Final Thoughts
London’s brewery scene is diverse and vibrant, offering something for every beer lover. If you want a quick, behind-the-scenes peek, the 3 Locks Brewing Company tour is a perfect start. For those eager to spend a few hours exploring east London’s innovative breweries, the East End Craft Brewery provides a memorable experience. And for a focused journey into Brixton’s beer culture, the Brixton Craft Brewery is hard to beat.
No matter which tour you choose, planning ahead and booking early will ensure you get the most out of your beer adventure in London. Cheers!