8 of the best beers from London and beyond

Step into the stripped-back interior of Bundobust for a blast of aromatic spices and sizzling vegetarian Indian cuisine. The food here is as creative as it is delicious and tastes even better when washed down with one of their carefully-crafted beers. Try the Dhana International IPA – a collaboration with Northern Monk Brew Co – which has subtle hints of coriander seed.

The creatives’ unspoiled hive in east London is home to local brewery and pizzeria, CRATE.  Its own beers rule the bar (try the lip-smacking Citra Sour), but they also serve up plenty of guest beers and a superb range of bottles and cans to complement your stone-baked pizza of choice. Sat by the canal, there’s plenty of space outside to sip your beer, take in those boho vibes and watch the narrowboats drift by.

You’re in a palace by a lake that serves beer. What more could you want? The Wylam Brewery is the new king of Newcastle’s beer scene. The brewery’s most popular beer is their Jakehead IPA. Its distinctly bittersweet taste is a pleasure on the palate and its hop mix leaves a series of citrusy and woody flavours. 

Rock on down to Brixton’s buzzing beer scene at The Brixton Brewery where you’ll find a mammoth choice of beers and an awesome taproom. Named after Brixton’s famous road, Electric IPA will spark your taste buds into a frenzy with its malty sweetness, tropical hits, and lingering hoppy finish. 

Smack bang in the heart of the Peak District, The Packhorse Inn is a country gem. For a real taste of the region, try a Bakewell Sour from Bakewell’s own – the Thornbridge Brewery. Fear not, your muddy boots and dog are welcome at the pub too. 

If you’re in Windermere don’t miss the Crafty Baa for some boozy relaxation after a day of action on England’s biggest lake. This AA-awarded Pub of the Year has a massive choice of local and global beers that you’ll have a blast trying out. You’ll be spoilt for choice, so if you need a tip, go for their own – the Crafty Pale Ale. 

There’s no ordinary beer here. A hub of Bristol’s vibrant St Werburghs neighbourhood (a 20-minute walk from the town centre), punters love Wiper and True for its easy-going vibe, and, obviously, the beer. The pints here come straight from the tanks for ultra-freshness, and they serve an exclusive beer you can only get at this brewery.

Manchester might grab the limelight, but don’t miss out on the Bollington Brewery and its pubs in neighbouring Cheshire. Beers include their Bollington Best plus a delicious Chinook & Grapefruit pale ale for something zesty and different. The brewery owns three pubs on the edge of the Peak District so you could design your own countryside pub crawl, taking in the Cheshire scenery and rewarding yourself with a pint or two.