A craft beer tasting tour of the Bermondsey Beer Mile

REVIEW · LONDON

A craft beer tasting tour of the Bermondsey Beer Mile

  • 5.088 reviews
  • 3 to 4 hours (approx.)
  • From $67.99
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Traveller rating 5.0 (88)Duration3 to 4 hours (approx.)Price from$67.99Book viaViator

Five stops, one tasting trail. This guided walk along the Bermondsey Beer Mile hits craft breweries with included half pints (or soft drinks) at each stop, so you get variety without doing the planning yourself. I love the simple structure. I also like that it’s built to help you taste and talk beer, not just collect sips. One heads-up: it’s non-refundable and can’t be changed once you book, so only lock it in when your dates are solid.

The guide is the star. In particular, Paul’s style shows up in the reviews again and again: engaging, friendly, and able to explain the London brewery scene plus how different beer styles and brewing methods work. If you’re into learning while you snack on snacks you don’t have to bring, this will fit. Group size also stays small (max 20, and some groups are even smaller), so you’re not yelling over a crowd.

Timing is the only real “plan around it” factor. The tour runs about 3 to 4 hours, though it can run longer in practice, so don’t schedule a tight dinner right after.

Quick take: what you get on the Bermondsey Beer Mile tour

A craft beer tasting tour of the Bermondsey Beer Mile - Quick take: what you get on the Bermondsey Beer Mile tour

  • A guided tasting route through London’s Bermondsey Beer Mile with short, focused stops
  • Half pints (or soft drinks) included at each brewery on the route
  • Stop-by-stop beer education with practical tips for tasting and understanding styles
  • Small groups (up to 20), which makes the Q&A feel like a conversation
  • An after party at The Kernel where you can choose and buy extra drinks

Getting oriented on the Bermondsey Beer Mile route

A craft beer tasting tour of the Bermondsey Beer Mile - Getting oriented on the Bermondsey Beer Mile route
Bermondsey is one of those London areas where beer culture feels local, not museum-like. The tour is designed as a walking loop, moving brewery to brewery with a set window of time at each stop. That matters because beer tastings can drag if you’re wandering on your own. Here, you get a rhythm: arrive, taste, learn a bit, then move on.

You also avoid a common first-timer problem: ordering your first pint and having no idea what you’re tasting. The guide’s explanations (including brewing methods and how beer styles developed in England) are what turn your “I like this” into “I can name why I like this.”

One practical point: you’ll be on your feet and drinking in intervals for the full stretch. This is not a sit-down tasting. If you’re sensitive to alcohol or you want a slower pace, pick soft drinks where offered and sip water between tastings.

You can also read our reviews of more food & drink experiences in London

The tasting format: half-pints, short sessions, and why it’s good

The tour includes half pints of beer or soft drinks at each stop, and each location has about 45 minutes. That’s a sweet spot: long enough to talk to the guide and compare what you’re tasting, but short enough that you don’t get stuck in one place while your schedule unravels.

I like this format because it helps you compare beers back-to-back. Taste memory fades fast, so “finish this pour, then move to the next style” makes a difference. It’s also beginner-friendly: even if you don’t know the difference between lager and IPA, the guide’s approach is built around tasting methods and how brewing choices affect flavor.

Also: bring the right mindset. The tour is made for people who arrive ready to taste and participate. If you’re looking for a quiet evening and only one sip total, you’ll probably feel rushed.

Stop 1 at The Arch House (Anspach & Hobday): start strong

A craft beer tasting tour of the Bermondsey Beer Mile - Stop 1 at The Arch House (Anspach & Hobday): start strong
You begin at Southwark Brewing Company and then the route brings you to Anspach & Hobday at The Arch House for a first tasting session. With about 45 minutes here and a half pint (or soft drink) included, this first stop sets the tone.

What makes a first stop useful is calibration. You get your bearings on how the guide wants you to taste—look, smell, taste, and then listen for the explanation. Even if you only catch part of it, you’ll still learn how to pay attention to basics like balance and intensity, not just whether something tastes good in the moment.

A small practical note: don’t arrive planning to “test” the beers later. The tour moves quickly. If you want the best experience, start thirsty and ready.

Stop 2 at Southwark Brewing Company: London brewing context

Southwark Brewing Company is also where the tour starts: 46 Druid St, London SE1 2EZ. That’s convenient for two reasons. First, you don’t have to figure out a separate meetup spot. Second, you start with a local anchor in the Bermondsey area, which makes the later stops feel like a journey instead of a hopscotch.

This stop is built around an included half pint or 2/3 of a soft drink/beer equivalent, with another 45 minutes. You’ll get a guided walkthrough that connects what you’re tasting to how London’s brewing scene works—especially how styles evolved and why.

If you’re the kind of person who likes travel facts that actually matter (not just dates and plaques), this is a good fit. The guide’s knowledge isn’t limited to the neighborhood. It’s about the wider brewing picture.

Stop 3 at Mash Paddle Brewery: comparing styles like a pro

At Mash Paddle Brewery, the tour keeps the same rhythm: about 45 minutes plus your included pour. By the time you reach this stop, you’ll have tasted at least one style already, so you’re in “compare mode.”

This is where the tour earns its high marks. One of the best-rated themes in the reviews is how the guide explains brewing methods and how they show up in the beer. That means you’re not only tasting flavors—you’re learning what choices create them.

What to do to get extra value here: slow your tasting for a moment. Let the guide’s cues shape how you taste next. Then notice what changes between stops. Even without beer-science background, you’ll start connecting flavor to process.

Stop 4 at Bianca Road Brew Co.: the tour stays fun

A craft beer tasting tour of the Bermondsey Beer Mile - Stop 4 at Bianca Road Brew Co.: the tour stays fun
Bianca Road Brew Co. is the next stop, again with about 45 minutes and a half pint (or soft drink). At this stage, the tour feels less like a lesson and more like a guided conversation about beer.

That balance is a big part of why people rate it so highly. The guide comes across as personable and ready to chat, but still structured enough to make sure you taste a range of beers. You’ll also get practical tips for where to go next along the mile, which helps turn this tour into a starter plan for the rest of your London beer day.

This stop is also a good checkpoint for your energy. If you’ve been sipping water and pacing yourself, you’ll likely feel good going into the final stop. If you haven’t, this is where a smart traveler slows down.

Stop 5 at The Kernel Brewery: after party and buying your favorites

The last stop is The Kernel Brewery at 132 Spa Rd, London SE16 3AE. This is where the tour turns into an after party setup. You still get time there (around 45 minutes), and instead of sticking to only included tasting portions, you can choose and buy additional drinks.

I like that approach because it gives you control. After tasting several styles, you’ll usually find one you really want to repeat. The after party format lets you do that without hoping a tour ends with a surprise favorite.

It also helps you avoid the “all-or-nothing” problem. Some tasting tours end after your included pours, and you feel stuck if you want more. Here, you can keep going, or you can wrap up when you’re ready.

Price and value: is $67.99 worth it?

A craft beer tasting tour of the Bermondsey Beer Mile - Price and value: is $67.99 worth it?
At $67.99 per person for about 3 to 4 hours, the value depends on one question: do you want guided beer education plus a tasting route, or do you just want beer?

If you’re aiming for the self-guided approach, you’d pay for drinks anyway, and you’d still need to choose where to go and what to order. This tour bundles a route through multiple breweries plus included pours plus a guide to help you understand what you’re tasting. The high review rating and the repeated mention of Paul’s ability to explain beer styles, brewing methods, and London’s brewery scene are exactly the kind of “buy once, learn forever” value you can’t get from a simple pub crawl.

It also helps that group size stays small (max 20). That’s not just a comfort perk—it makes it easier to ask questions and actually hear the answers. For many people, that’s where the price starts to feel fair.

If you’re only mildly interested in beer, you might be happier with fewer stops and a more flexible plan. But if you want to learn while tasting, the structure is doing real work.

Timing, meeting points, and how to make it painless

You start at Southwark Brewing Company, 46 Druid St, London SE1 2EZ, and end at The Kernel, 132 Spa Rd, London SE16 3AE. You’ll receive directions to the nearest underground station, which is a nice detail if you’re navigating by Tube.

For planning, note the timeline is “about 3 to 4 hours.” In real life, that can run longer, so I suggest keeping your next commitment flexible. If you’re doing this on a Saturday, build in a cushion for the post-tour after party and the walking time.

Language is English, and you’ll get a mobile ticket. Confirmation is typically within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. And because it’s non-refundable and can’t be changed, I’d personally treat date selection like a real appointment.

Who should book this Bermondsey Beer Mile tour?

This is a great match if:

  • You like beer but don’t want to guess your way through breweries
  • You enjoy guided explanations that connect taste to brewing choices
  • You want a small-group vibe instead of a big bus-tour crowd
  • You want an easy plan for a Saturday afternoon in London

It may not be the best fit if:

  • You’re looking for a completely food-free activity (this is all about tastings)
  • You want total flexibility to change plans last minute, since the ticket is non-refundable
  • You prefer long stays in a single venue rather than multiple short stops

Should you book this Bermondsey Beer Mile beer tasting tour?

If beer is part of your London trip and you want to get smarter without doing extra work, I’d book it. The standout advantage is the combination of structured tasting stops and a guide who can explain beer styles, brewing methods, and the broader London brewery scene. Add in the small group size and the built-in after party at The Kernel, and you’ve got a plan that feels both guided and free.

The decision hinge for most people is risk vs. reward. At $67.99, it’s not a throwaway spend, and it’s not refundable. If your dates are firm and you’re ready to taste, this tour is one of the more practical ways to enjoy Bermondsey like an insider.

FAQ

How long is the Bermondsey Beer Mile craft beer tasting tour?

It runs about 3 to 4 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $67.99 per person.

What’s included in the tasting?

You get half pints of beer or soft drinks included during the tour.

How many stops are there?

There are 5 stops along the Bermondsey Beer Mile route.

Where do you meet, and where does the tour end?

You start at Southwark Brewing Company, 46 Druid St, London SE1 2EZ, and you end at The Kernel, 132 Spa Rd, London SE16 3AE.

What happens at The Kernel Brewery during the tour?

It’s set up as an after party where you can choose and buy any drinks you want.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

How large is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 20 travelers.

What if I need to cancel after booking?

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.

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