The number of breweries in London tipped over 100 during 2018, according to a report by hoppist, an online retailer of London’s craft beer. At the end of October 2018 there were 111 active breweries in the capital, over 25 more than the same time last year, as well as another 20 pubs & bars with on-site brewing equipment, as the growth of the craft beer industry shows few signs of slowing down.
“The trends of drinkers demanding higher quality beer and seeking ever greater variety show no signs of slowing down, and this is what has enabled smaller breweries in London to thrive. All the growth over the last 10 years or so has also inspired an ecosystem of supporting services, from mobile canning lines to distribution networks and ingredient & equipment supply chains. This infrastructure has significantly reduced the barriers to getting a new brewery off the ground.” says Michael Millar, founder of hoppist.
“London’s insatiable appetite for new beers is driving the success of specialist bottle shops, craft pubs with dozens of beers on tap and retail services like hoppist that help people discover craft breweries from all over London” added Michael.
As the home of beer styles such as porter and IPA (India Pale Ale), London has a strong brewing tradition. The city last had a similar number of breweries in the late 1800s, before a series of mergers eventually led to there being just 9 by the end of the 1970s.
London brewers may have bounced back to their Victorian numbers, but have a long way to go to match the reputed 290 active breweries during Dick Whittington’s time as mayor.
London’s Breweries by Borough:
Southwark – 19
Hackney – 12
Haringey – 11
Waltham Forest – 8
Lambeth – 8
Wandsworth – 7
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