Cheerio. Craft brew comes to London proper
When we think of London, we picture sitting in a pub and drinking a pint of local brew. Apparently, that conception wasn’t exactly accurate. While there are 700 craft breweries England — quite impressive considering the country’s size — it’s almost impossible to find a small beer-maker within the capital city’s limits.
That is starting to change, according to a Financial Times article published last week. The story details the trials and tribulations of former accountant Duncan Sambrook, who founded Sambrook’s Brewery a year ago. The maker of Wandle Ale is well on his way to establishing his brewery as a viable, local option for Londoners.
“Our provenance gives us a hook,” Sambrook told the FT. “Customers and landlords always first approach us because we’re local. And primarily our ingredients are all from within 100 miles.”
While real estate and other costs make setting up a brewery in London exceedingly expensive, the trend will continue as an increasing number them find success. The picture in our head could soon match reality.
