Craft breweries – A brewing revolution
BY BILL LACY
The craft beer revolution of the last decade has exploded the number of breweries in the UK, and of course the capital is the epicentre.
There were fewer than 10 breweries in London in 2006 and now there are more than a hundred.
We have moved from a few centuries-old stalwarts dominating the market, to a new world of bewildering innovation and choice.
New entrants have experimented with styles and flavours, we now meet our friends in taprooms as well as pubs and – accelerated by Covid of course – deliveries of beer to homes have brought us brews from across the land.
It can be hard to know where to start. Here are a few ideas for South Londoners.
Mondo Brewing Company
Founded by two Americans and based in Battersea Power Station, Mondo has been around since 2014 and is best known for its IPA, Dennis Hopper, the staple of many a craft beer pub, although they produce superb beers across the whole range of styles.
The latest innovation is a subscription service, Mondo +. As customers have become accustomed to ordering directly from breweries during lockdown, Mondo’s new service has benefits such as free delivery and shop discounts.
There are discounts on tours, free entry to their summer party and a pint on your birthday, among other benefits included in the package.
At £75 for a whole year’s worth of benefits, this is a steal – either as a gift for a craft beer-loving friend or as a personal treat during these strange times.
Brockley Brewery
Brockley Brewery was founded in 2013 by a group of South Londoners with a strong community ethos, and it has gone from strength to strength in a competitive market.
Choose from a range of sessionable, approachable brews, both cask and keg.
But the guys there aren’t just doing what everybody else does. For example, they’ve tried to recreate the legendary Kentucky Common, apparently only one of four indigenous American beer styles, and are happy to share their secrets too, opening the doors to brewing masterclasses.
Look out for newly-launched Lewisham IPA, a collaboration with Liquorsmiths.
Operating out of Harcourt Road and Hither Green (the taproom here will open from April 15), but in the meantime, delivery is free to SE4, SE12 and SE13 postcodes.
Order before 11am on Saturday for weekend delivery across South-east London.
London Beer Factory
West Norwood-based London Beer Factory is fast becoming a household name, but it doesn’t rest on its laurels.
Big, powerful, juicy pales are a speciality, but it’s also a dab hand at other styles, tiramisu pastry stout justly famous.
Among the most efficient South London beer deliverers, sometimes reaching the customer the same day, when schedules allow.
Added to the Warehouse taproom, is now The Barrel Project, a base in the craft beer mecca of Bermondsey.
Go to www.thelondonbeerfactory. com/brewery
Canopy
Situated under the arches opposite Brockwell Park, Canopy styles itself as another humble player in the market, but that’s a modest take on this operation.
A core range of great beer is supplemented by an impressive array of specials.
This runs alongside a monthly subscription service for 12 or 24 cans. www.canopybeer.com
Inkspot Brewery
Inkspot has filled the Streatham-shaped craft beer hole rather nicely, supplying local establishments and setting up a much-loved, Art & Craft, in Streatham and beyond.
For two humble guys, who brew in a barn, they have made their mark, experimenting with different styles in addition to their core range.
“Shutters Up”, which sees the opening of the attractive barn-cum-brewery at the Rookery, at the top of Streatham Common, serving up fresh beer and decent grub, has become a favourite, with the next event on April 17.
People’s Captain
People’s Captain is a new range founded by Premier League rugby star Greg Bateman.
It’s more than just a beer range though; there’s a story behind it.
Greg, who has set up his own mental health charity, The People’s Captain Foundation, decided that great beer was a vehicle to make positive change in people’s lives, and so the People’s Captain range was born.
In collaboration with graffiti artist Nathan Bowden, there are five core beers in the range – an American Pale Ale, New England Pale, milk stout and, a take on a lager that is classically “English” rather than a continental-style Pilsner.
An exciting new range for beer lovers to sample.
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