Good for what ales you: Exploring local breweries
Part of what makes every town or city unique are the businesses they have within their core. What a community produces can become their identity. That typically works on a larger scale like Leamington, Ont. and the tomato processing factory for example, but it also applies to smaller businesses, like Blyth, Ont. and Cowbell Brewing Co. Many cities or towns have their own breweries and can be a popular spot for both locals and tourists to visit. So what does London Tourism suggest?
Anderson Craft Ales
Anderson is a family-owned, independent craft brewery out of Old East Village. Anderson Craft Ales focuses on crafting small-batch, handcrafted premium hop-based ales, and offers cans, kegs and growlers. There’s also a tap room that sells beers by the glass or flight and they host tours and community events in their refurbished industrial building. Anderson Craft Ales has a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere and is worth checking out.
“Forked River Brewing Company is always brewing up something new and continues to serve up consistent and flavourful, seasonal brews made with care in the traditional craftsman manner with all natural, quality ingredients.”
Forked River Brewing Company
Forked River Brewing Company is London’s oldest craft brewery. Three local, award-winning home brewers teamed up to bring The Forest City the beer it deserves. Forked River Brewing Company is always brewing up something new and continues to serve up consistent and flavourful, seasonal brews made with care in the traditional craftsman manner with all natural, quality ingredients. The newly expanded taproom is family friendly with games and crafts for kids. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a flight or glass while spending time with family and/or friends.
Toboggan Brewing Company
This family owned and operated craft brewery is located in the heart of downtown London right across from Victoria Park. The name “Toboggan” comes from the London history of being a tobogganing mecca in the late 1800s. They have a rotating number of seasonal brews that change regularly so there’s always something new! The adjoining full service restaurant is the perfect place to bring your friends, family or co-workers as they can host events from two to 200 and focus on making as much food with local ingredients as possible.
Labatt Brewery
I have a feeling you may have heard of this one before. Labatt Blue pilsner is the best-selling Canadian beer around the globe. Labatt Brewers of Canada have been shaped by close to 170 years of brewing excellence and commitment. Labatt’s unwavering commitment to delivering superior products to their customers is achieved by using only the finest ingredients and time-proven methods to brew some of the best beers in the world. Book the Labatt Brewery Tour right here in London and experience how an iconic Canadian beer is made.
Powerhouse Brewing Company
Powerhouse Brewing Company is a focal point for 100 Kellogg Lane. Brewing five core brands as well as local collaborations and seasonal brews, there’s always something new to try or take home. Their beers, paired with classic pub fare and rotational comfort food specials makes Powerhouse a destination in Old East Village for a nice lunch or a night out.
Beerlab!
Located in downtown London, this small batch brewery is not to be missed while you are on your outings to meet friends, dates, or before and after an event at Budweiser Gardens! Brewed by the Denim Brothers themselves, Beerlab! is a London gem you’ll remember in the Forest City.
Curley Brewing Company
Established in 2017, Curley Brewing Company is a nano brewery located in London’s Hyde Park area. Curley Brewing is London’s first and only plant-based brew pub offering house brewed pints and flights and a delicious vegan menu full of your favourite classic pub food. Curley’s also offers house brewed kombucha on tap, locally roasted pour-over coffee, and so much more!
Dundas & Sons Brewing Company
Another brewery located in Old East Village, this nano brewery serves the Forest City with locally sourced organic craft beers, wines, spirits, cocktails and food. Look out for their featured local talents in support of music and art in the area.
Storm Stayed Brewing Company
A small, community-oriented craft brewery that believes it takes more than just quality ingredients, sound science and innovative techniques to make a brewery special. They are proud to warmly welcome all of those who visit the modern, dog-friendly(!) taproom or patio. Stop by for a while or grab some super fresh cans to go.