The rapidly evolving landscape of Hackney Wick has plenty of easy-going watering holes. Fresh on the scene is the Beer Merchants Tap, an apostrophe-dodging craft ale specialist round the corner from the station. The bar was set up in February 2018 as the physical manifestation of online retail the Beer Merchants.
The Tap describes itself as London's best craft beer selection. It's a bold claim, but one that might hold merit. Inside, you'll find 20 keg taps and 2 cask pumps. That's not quite so many as a couple of BrewDogs or Mother Kelly's, but the boast of selling 500 bottles and cans might just give them the title. Plus, the venue is home to 'London’s first dedicated sour beer blendery, making beers inspired by spontaneous fermentation all over the world'.
Indeed, the bottles and cans will have you clapping your hands. Fridge after fridge displays more varieties of the good stuff than anyone could keep track of. All are available for takeaway or consumption on site. A further fridge, styled like a supermarket deli counter, holds meaty treats and cheeses.
The tap room is pretty spacious, with bench-style seating for dozens. A beer yard out front effectively doubles the floor space when the weather is right. This isn't a part of town with a roaring passing trade, but reputation alone should carry this place through.
Last updated May 2018.
