Bermondsey Beer Mile: A Brewery Crawl Under the Arches

There’s something magical about ducking beneath a railway arch and discovering a world of stainless steel tanks, hoppy aromas and friendly faces handing you a freshly pulled pint. The Bermondsey Beer Mile is less of a formal route and more of a loose collection of independent breweries and taprooms dotted along Druid Street, Enid Street and beyond.

The mile began almost by accident when The Kernel Brewery opened its taproom on a Saturday morning to sell bottles direct to drinkers. Soon neighbours like Brew by Numbers, Anspach & Hobday and Partizan joined in, and what started as a quiet industrial strip quickly became one of London’s most talked‑about beer destinations.

On any given weekend, you’ll find throngs of beer lovers wandering from arch to arch, sampling saisons, sipping sours and chatting with the brewers themselves. Many of the spaces are still working breweries, so you’re drinking metres away from where the beer was made. It’s an intimate, community‑driven experience that’s a world away from big brewery tours.

What to Expect

• Variety: From classic pale ales and lagers to experimental wild ales and barrel‑aged stouts, there’s a beer for every palate.
• Casual vibes: Most taprooms are standing room only or have simple benches and barrels for perching. It’s about the beer and the conversation.
• Limited hours: Many breweries only open on Saturdays, and some close by early evening, so start your crawl around midday.

While the “mile” now stretches well beyond its original footprint, its spirit remains the same: a celebration of independent craft brewing and the joy of sharing a drink with friends. Bring an empty growler, wear comfortable shoes and prepare to discover your new favourite beer.