It's Christmaaaaaas! Unfortunately, however, while London might be full of festive cheer it's a bit short on festive beer. The few festivals we've seen are below, but if you know of any others please post a comment!
1-31 December
The Duchess of Cambridge, Stamford Brook. For the whole of December the pub's porter and stout festival sees five dark ales on tap at all times. This complements an already generous selection of ales, so there should be something for everyone.
Ye Olde Mitre, Holborn. The pub will have a different Christmas ale on tap every day in December, allowing you to run the full gauntlet of festive ale puns. (The Only Way Is Santa, anyone?) Check the pub's website for festive opening hours.
4-8 December
Pig's Ear 2012, Hackney. The last big beer festival of the year takes place in Hackney's Round Chapel, where you can enjoy more than 200 ales. There will be a bar dedicated to London breweries, as well as ciders, perries, foreign beers and food. Entry is £4, or £2 for CAMRA members.
6 December
Thursday Thursday Christmas Cracker, Wandsworth Common. For £15 you can enjoy a traditional turkey dinner and eight half pints from a selection of 10 ales. The event takes place at Le Gothique in the Royal Victoria Patriotic Building from 6pm, and tickets are available in advance from Eventbrite or on the door.
12 December
CAMRA Rally, Parliament. This isn't a beer festival, but should be of interest to anyone who enjoys a pint. Following the debate in Parliament about the Beer Duty Escalator, CAMRA is organising a lobbying session, rally and – predictably – a pub visit in aid of stopping the spiralling beer tax. For more details and to register your attendance, visit the Save Your Pint Lobby website.
15 December
By The Horns Brewery Christmas Open Day, Summerstown.
Beer + Christmas shopping = fun! The brewery is open from 11am-8pm, giving you the chance to meet the brewers, buy beer-related gifts, stock up on ales for Christmas and sample their range of brews. Food from the Earlsfield Deli will also be available.
21 December
Christmas Ale Night, Leyton Orient Supporter's Club.
From 5pm onwards you can sample a wide range of Christmas ales at the bar, accompanied by free mince pies. Entry is free.
Need more festive beer action? Check out our 12 days of Christmas pub crawl.
