Top 10 Best Craft Beer Pubs in London

Mother Kelly's riverside location on Albert Embankment offers something rare in London craft beer pubs—actual outdoor seating with Thames views. The relaxed taproom pours an eclectic mix of British and international craft beers, with a particular strength in sours and saisons that pair beautifully with sunny afternoon sessions by the river. The vibe is decidedly more chilled than your typical London boozer, attracting everyone from cycling groups to after-work drinkers escaping the City. They're also brilliant at hosting tap takeovers and meet-the-brewer events, so check their socials before visiting—you might catch something special.

Beer Merchants Tap sits adjacent to its bottle shop parent, offering one of East London's best curated selections of rare and small-batch brews you can try before buying. The Hackney Wick location epitomises the area's creative-industrial vibe, with a stripped-back taproom where the beer does the talking—expect everything from wild lambics to cutting-edge British craft, with at least half the taps dedicated to local East London breweries. It's a favourite among Hackney's creative types and beer collectors hunting for that limited-release can to take home. The combination of knowledgeable staff, killer selection, and zero pretension makes it one of London's most authentic craft beer experiences.

This South Bank newcomer is bringing proper German brewing tradition to London with its own on-site brewery and a stunning copper kettle visible from the bar. German Kraft focuses on authentic German beer styles—pilsners, hefeweizens, and dunkelweizens—brewed to Reinheitsgebot purity law standards, offering a refreshing alternative to the hop-forward IPAs dominating most London taps. The spacious taproom with its industrial-meets-Bavarian aesthetic is perfect for groups wanting to experience a proper beer hall vibe without flying to Munich. Being relatively new with just 183 reviews means you can still snag a table on weekends, though word is spreading fast among beer purists.

The Danish craft beer legends have made Exmouth Market their London home, bringing their avant-garde brewing philosophy to this stylish brewpub. Mikkeller's reputation for boundary-pushing beers—think oyster stouts, seaweed-infused lagers, and single-hop experiments—is on full display across 20+ taps, and the kitchen serves New Nordic-inspired small plates that elevate beer pairing to an art form. The sleek Scandinavian design and communal seating attract a creative Clerkenwell crowd who appreciate beer as seriously as wine. Don't leave without trying one of their barrel-aged imperial stouts, which regularly rank among the world's best.

The Old Fountain is a proper no-frills boozer in Clerkenwell that's been serving the printing and design crowd for decades, now reborn as a craft beer destination without losing its working-class soul. The intimate space feels like drinking in someone's front room, with mismatched furniture and a carefully curated tap list that favours British and European brewers over trendy imports. It's the kind of place where regulars are on first-name terms with staff, making it ideal for a quiet pint after work or intimate catch-ups rather than big groups. The Sunday roast paired with a cask ale is an unbeatable combination that keeps locals coming back religiously.

This Brixton gem is what happens when serious brewing talent meets neighbourhood pub charm—Supercute brews its own beers on-site in a converted industrial unit that oozes cool. The frequently changing tap list showcases their experimental approach, from hazy New England IPAs to pastry stouts that taste like dessert in a glass, and the kitchen serves elevated pub food that's leagues above your typical bar snacks. Despite the industrial setting, there's a genuinely welcoming community vibe that makes solo drinkers and groups equally comfortable. With only 364 reviews, it's still flying under the tourist radar, making it a true local's secret worth the trek south.

Positioned right inside Waterloo Station, this BrewDog outpost is a godsend for commuters craving a quality pint before catching their train home. The Scottish craft beer giant's flagship beers like Punk IPA and Dead Pony Club are always on tap, alongside seasonal specials and guest brews from their brewery collaborations worldwide. The modern, dog-friendly space (naturally) gets packed during rush hour but offers a surprisingly relaxed vibe considering its location—grab a window seat and watch the commuter chaos unfold while you sip. It's also brilliant for meeting friends from different parts of London, given the transport hub location.

Hidden beneath the arches near Tower Bridge, Bermondsey Bierkeller feels like stumbling into a secret Berlin beer hall that's been transplanted to South London. The German-inspired space features long wooden benches, an incredible selection of European craft beers, and a kitchen turning out proper bratwurst and pretzels that actually complement the beer. With a 4.8 rating, this local favourite attracts everyone from after-work crowds to Saturday afternoon groups settling in for a session. The atmosphere strikes that rare balance between lively and laid-back, making it perfect whether you're on a date or meeting a dozen mates.

This High Holborn outpost of the Craft Beer Co. empire is a beer geek's paradise, boasting 37 taps and hundreds of bottles from around the world. The industrial-chic space features exposed brick, long communal tables, and staff who actually know their saisons from their stouts—they'll happily guide you through tasting flights if you're overwhelmed by choice. It's ideal for groups of friends doing a proper crawl or beer enthusiasts wanting to try something obscure like a Mikkeller collaboration or a wild-fermented farmhouse ale. The rotating tap list changes constantly, so regulars pop in weekly to see what's new on the boards.

Tucked down a side street off Trafalgar Square, The Harp is a proper British institution that's been championing real ale since before craft beer was even trendy. This Fuller's heritage pub pours an impeccable selection of cask ales and regularly wins CAMRA awards for its cellar management—the landlord's dedication to beer quality is legendary among London's ale cognoscenti. The cosy, standing-room-only setup makes it perfect for post-theatre pints or catching up with mates, though it gets absolutely rammed on weekends. Don't miss their rotating guest ales, which often feature rare brews you won't find anywhere else in central London.