Whether you’re a hipster, a naturist, or a traditional ale lover, London has some decent beer-drinking opportunities for you this month. As always, let us know in the comments if we’ve missed anything notable.
29 May-6 June: Brockley Brewery Beer Festival
Providing a liquid accompaniment to the Brockley Max festival, Lewisham’s Ladywell Tavern is currently showcasing beers from the nearby Brockley Brewery, as well as other locally-brewed beers, in a beer festival that runs until Saturday. Entrance is free.
19-21 June: Summer Brew Fest
A dozen or so London brewers and one Scottish cider-maker are set to feature in the return of Summer Brew Fest, taking place in Bermondsey’s beery UBrew event space. At the time of writing some of the information on the festival’s website is “coming soon”, but if last year’s event is anything to go by, expect some sort of live music and tasty food (possibly of the ‘street’ variety) to accompany the booze. A ticket to one of the five-hour sessions costs £25, including 12 beer tokens (enough for four pints of beer).
25-28 June: The Naturist Foundation Jazz & Real Ale Festival
If you prefer a more ‘liberated’ approach to your beer consumption, this clothing-optional festival in the grounds of the Naturist Foundation (near Orpington) could be aligned with your interests. Visitors are promised 20 ‘reasonably-priced’ real ales and ciders and a packed schedule of live jazz, and will be able to avail themselves of the foundation’s leisure facilities (including a swimming pool, sauna, petanque courts, and a 2km woodland walk). Those feeling a bit shy can rest assured, according to some publicity, that “non-naturists are most welcome and are not required to disrobe” (although getting your kit off is mandatory if you want to use the pool or sauna). Day tickets cost £16 or £22 (more if you want to stay in the campsite).
26-27 June: Hampton Beer Festival
The inaugural Hampton Beer Festival looks like a much more traditional affair, with three four-hour sessions spread across two days promising “a multitude of great beers and ciders”. The action takes place in a scout hut a short walk from Hampton station; tickets for each session cost £5 (including a free tasting glass).
If you’re a lover of beer or pubs, why not buy the Londonist book of London pub crawls for less than the price of a pint.
