Top London Nightlife Spots for Craft Beer Lovers

Finding a night out that pairs a buzzing atmosphere with a rotating list of fresh brews can feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack-especially in a city as sprawling as London. Luckily, the capital’s craft‑beer scene has exploded, turning ordinary pubs into lively destinations for anyone who loves a good pint after dark.

What makes a great craft‑beer night out?

Before we dive into the venues, it helps to know the ingredients that turn a regular bar into a craft‑beer hotspot. Think of it as a simple checklist:

• Wide tap list: at least 20 rotating taps, including local ales, seasonal brews, and a handful of imports.
• Knowledgeable staff: bartenders who can tell you the story behind each brew.
• Atmosphere: music, lighting, and layout that encourage mingling.
• Late hours: open past midnight for those after‑hours cravings.
• Location: easy to reach by Tube or night bus.

When a spot checks most of these boxes, you’ve found a prime craft‑beer night‑out.

Top London craft‑beer bars for night owls

London craft beer bar is a venue that blends a curated beer selection with a vibrant evening vibe. Below are the seven places that consistently rank highest among locals and visitors alike.

1. BrewDog Camden

BrewDog started as a Scottish micro‑brewery and now runs a flagship venue in Camden. With 35 taps ranging from experimental IPAs to barrel‑aged stouts, the bar offers a kinetic energy that’s perfect for a late‑night crawl. The outdoor patio stays open until 2 am, and the staff run regular tap‑takeovers featuring guest brewers.

2. The Craft Beer Co. - Angel

The Craft Beer Co. on York Way is a sleek, industrial‑styled space with a rotating roster of 28 taps. Their “Beer of the Month” program spotlights up-and‑coming UK breweries, and the upstairs lounge turns into a mellow lounge after 10 pm, making it ideal for winding down.

3. The Five Points

The Five Points in Hackney Bridge is a hidden gem. It boasts 25 rotating taps, a rotating pizza menu, and a lively DJ set that starts at 11 pm. The vibe is a mix of indie‑rock posters and reclaimed wood, creating a cozy yet energetic atmosphere.

4. The Churchill Arms

The Churchill Arms is famous for its floral façade, but its downstairs beer garden houses 22 craft taps, including rare Belgian saisons and London‑brewage experiments. The garden stays lit late, and you can snag a table under string lights even after midnight.

5. The Old Fountain

The Old Fountain in Kennington offers a relaxed, historic setting with 20 taps and a weekly “Tap Takeover” that invites local brewers to showcase limited releases. Their live‑acoustic nights start at 9 pm and stretch into the early morning.

6. Flow Brew

Flow Brew in Shoreditch is a brew‑in‑the‑glass concept. The bar has a “self‑serve” tap wall where you can pour your own pint from any of the 24 available brews. The neon‑lit interior and late‑night food trucks make it a perfect spot for a bustling night out.

7. The Coal Hole

The Coal Hole near Covent Garden blends historic charm with a modern tap list of 26 brews. Their “After‑Hours Ale Club” opens at midnight, offering discounted pints and a curated playlist of indie and funk tracks.

Neighborhood guide: where to hop

London’s boroughs each have a unique flavor. Here’s a quick map of the best districts for a craft‑beer crawl.

• Camden: home to BrewDog, the Electric Ballroom, and several pop‑up brew stalls. Easy to reach via Camden Town station.
• Shoreditch: tech‑savvy crowd, Flow Brew, and a cluster of experimental bars near Old Street.
• Hackney: The Five Points and a growing number of micro‑pubs; walkable from Hackney Central.
• Kensington & Chelsea: The Churchill Arms and a handful of upscale brew pubs; best reached by High Street Kensington.
• Southbank: Riverside beer gardens and the occasional river‑boat beer tour; Southwark station is the gateway.

Tips for craft‑beer lovers on a night out

Even seasoned hopheads can miss a few tricks. Keep these pointers in mind to maximize enjoyment:

1. Download a tap‑list app like Untappd or RateBeer. Real‑time updates let you spot limited‑edition releases before they disappear.
2. Bring a small notebook or use the app’s “favorites” feature to note flavors you love. Over time you’ll develop a personal palate map.
3. Order a flight (4‑6 small pours) when you’re unsure. It’s cheaper than full pints and gives you a quick survey of the bar’s range.
4. Stay hydrated. Alternate each beer with a glass of water; it helps you taste subtle hop nuances later in the night.
5. Respect late‑night etiquette: keep noise level moderate after 1 am, and be ready to move on when the bar starts clearing tables.

Sample night itinerary

Here’s a step‑by‑step plan that strings together three of the top venues in a single evening.

1. 7:30 pm - Start at BrewDog Camden. Grab a flight of their newest experimental IPA and mingle on the patio.
2. 9:00 pm - Walk to The Five Points (10‑minute stroll). Order a barrel‑aged stout and enjoy the live DJ set.
3. 11:30 pm - Hop over to The Coal Hole. Dive into the After‑Hours Ale Club, grab a discounted pint, and soak up the historic ambience.
4. 1:30 am - Nightcap at Flow Brew. Use the self‑serve wall to pour a handful of your favorite taps and finish the night under neon lights.

All locations are within a 30‑minute Tube ride or a short walk, making the crawl realistic even on a weekday.

Cheat sheet: quick reference

Frequently Asked Questions