The Hackney Brewery recently threw open its doors for free tours during London Beer Week. The…read morebrewery grew out of the passion and hobby of two beer enthusiasts and they have struggled to keep up with demand ever since. They even have the distinction of being the oldest brewery in East London- having registered their company only days before local favourites London Fields and Beavertown Brewery- but, unlike their counterparts, they have wittingly retained a low profile. This might not be for long, however. It is evident that the owners are aware of the brewery's enormous potential, but they are cautious about how to approach their success in a sustainable way. Peter Hills, one of the two founders, gave us the (exceedingly) brief tour of the premises; it consisted of antiquated kit, the smallest mash tun you'll ever see in a commercial brewery and a makeshift office environment that is reminiscent of a student dorm. There's a lot of charm here, however, and the lingering sense that Hackney will implode if they don't throw their hat into the craft beer race soon. This is because their beer is good. With a small set-up, you can guarantee that every batch is put through the rigours of quality control that just don't exist with larger scale systems. Each member of staff emanates devotion and love for their product. Hackney shouted a third pint for everyone on the tour and I sampled their raspberry wheat- a crisp, creamy smooth beer with a lovely aroma: a perfect summer session beer that appealed to my palate. The mosaic was heralded as the staff favourite and also delivered with a mild hoppy taste and clean finish. Hackney beer can currently be found in some local East London establishments (including our local Wetherspoon's, but it is always out), but once the owners fully commit themselves to getting the word out, you'll undoubtedly be seeing their beers in pubs across London. In the meanwhile, if you get the chance- jump at the opportunity to tour the brewery and try their beers yourself. This might just be the best underground craft beer in East London- for now.

I was absolutely convinced I did not like cider - too sweet for me. Until we stopped at Hawkes on…read morethe Beer Mile. Well. I guess it's really a "drinks mile" as there's this place along with distillers too. Anyway, Hawkes was the most elegant place we stopped - clearly some $$$ had been put into the interior which sports a small kitchen and a lovely bar. There were 7-8 different ciders on tap and I chose "Doom and Bloom" as it was described as "dry, almost winelike". One sip and I was in love. In love with the crisp, dry flavor that was indeed wine like, and the pretty pale pink color. I liked it so much I ordered a second and had a nice chat with the bar server who explained they really are trying to do new things with cider and especially making them drier. Know that they've got a big cooler filled with their own ciders and others to try too. Great place to stop for something a little unusual!

I visited the place again and I liked it even more! Now you can have a flight of 4 of any of…read moreHawkes' ciders for £8 which is a really good deal. When I asked at the counter for two flights I was told they didn't do them anymore because they didn't have enough glasses (?!?) but then another very friendly and kind waiter took the order at the table and told me they could do it for sure. I tried 8 of their ciders and, not being an expert at all, it was really interesting. Some of them were actually really good while others not exactly my taste.

Introverts of the world:…read more So first and foremost, if you're not a people person like myself, this place is awesome. Just walk in and seat yourself, scan a QR code, order and pay on your phone. Sit for a few minutes then someone will bring you food. Amazing. About as little human interaction as possible. The food was great. The setting is fun. Stop in for a quick bite or sit down and take your time.

Stopped here for a quick bite after seeing the Tower of London. Good selection of food and over 18…read morebeers on tap. Food was good. Nothing spectacular but flavor was good. Music was a bit loud so it made having a conversation at the table a bit challenging.

Great brewery with outside and inside seating. Order your…read moredrinks at the bar, or with the table service. Taps were all great, as we tried probably half the menu. My favorite being the Hells. Seating is ample and great for larger groups- as ours was. Food- surprisingly amazing! I've been thinking about the Chard Ravioli with the butter since I ate it and contemplated ordering a second entre when we were there. Not pictured is the Beer Hall Platter- think giant cheese board. We got the Large and it was a good size for 6 people. Always love when burrata is available. The pretzels on the platter were also very tasty and came out warm- we could smell them baking before they were served. We will definitely be back, loved everything about this place.

Kind of a weird experience - have to say beer I had was a 5 - staff were a solid 1 and atmosphere…read morewas. On a Friday lunchtime - highly reminiscent of a morgue!! We were one of only 2 parties here on a hot summer day ! It's probably a lot better when it has a crowd but we felt like we almost had to whisper. Staff were highly unfriendly and never saw them smile - almost looked like they had been forced to work against their will and customers were just too much for them!! Beer was great - I had a Kaleido IPA which was surprisingly good for a British IPA! They had pizza but kitchen was not open for lunch until 1pm. Great place but staff and atmosphere ruined it !!

I haven't had one beer from here that I didn't find delightful. All the pale ales I tried (they…read moreseem to favor this type) are rightly hoppy, the stout is almost like a nitro, thick rich, and only the tiniest bit smoky. They're all about the beer here, no other questions asked, so bring whatever you want (I saw full picnic spreads complete with knife and cutting board) and camp out for as many rounds as you can stand. Make a Saturday of it. There's a little place to make multiple visits for cured meats just next door, and/or Maltby Street Market is a 10 minute walk, where you can get amazing pungent cheeses, fresh bread from St John, or even go hard: pregame with Gin cocktails, pick up some elaborate sandwiches and stash some dessert for drunken delight. Two more mini breweries are just nearby (Partizan about a 7 min walk, closes at 5pm and Brew by Numbers less than 5 min in the other direction, closes at 6). So, when Kernel closes at 4, choose a direction and make a run for it!

Well, it was pretty packed when I came here, but then again this is London, and no doubt this is a…read morepretty popular brewery, despite the fact that it is a bit of a hike to one of the nearby stations. Yeah, the beers were good, though I found it rather difficult to find a seat.

After a long day sightseeing in 95 degree weather - we ended here at Battersea Brewing!…read more This is a great brewpub at the Battersea Power-plant area which since I left the UK has been transformed into a cool shopping / living area! Located down a cool alleyway near the Thames, it has indoor and outdoor seating and the best beer selection I have had since arriving in London! Tried a couple of their IPAs which were wonderful and enjoyed watching Wimbledon on their TV amongst a cool and eclectic crowd! Definitely recommend this place!

A charming micro-brewery adjacent to the Battersea Power Plant complex…read more Beer: Had the Admirals Best Bitter cask ale- excellent Service: friendly bar service Ambiance: industrial micro-brewery inhabiting an arched space that reminded me of being under an old bridge. Nice patio area with an awning for shade on warm days.

We came here for lunch:- - Great tasting burgers!!…read more- I had a paddle/flight of beers and these were awesome - service was quick - a great atmosphere. If scrolling through reviews looking for a lunch place, burger place, burger place, You can't beat this place!!!

I came here last night for a burger and a beer and I was pleasantly surprised they had sours. I…read moretried a Vault City one and it was delicious. I wasn't sure what I wanted to eat as I still had jet lag but I went for the burger and it too was fantastic. The service was great and the ambiance was definitely a pub ambiance, so not bad at all. I'll definitely come back for another beer.

I keep wanting to like A&H more than I do. The spot is nice, right along the Bermondsey Beer Mile…read more It's kinda cramped on the inside and although they, thankfully, touch every variety of beer (lagers, pale ales, wheats, etc.), they don't really do any of them all that well. I found their lager to be very plain. I like wheat beers and theirs is fine, but really nothing special. It lacks that extra fruit-taste (i.e. some banana-y clove or a citrus element). It's also super crowded given the complete lack of space. You're better off spending more time elsewhere along the beer mile.

They renovated the place and it now has more seats. Service is really nice and knowledgeable with…read morestaff happy to describe the beers. I had the A&H European Pale that was really refreshing and with good flavors despite the low ABV. I also tried the A&H London Black which was a very good stout.