The Bermondsey Beer Mile is the densest run of independent breweries in the UK — a string of taprooms tucked into the railway arches of South East London. This 2026 guide covers the route and a rough map, how to get there, brewery opening times, how long it takes, what to budget, a suggested itinerary and the insider tips that make the difference between a great day and a messy one.
Where is the Bermondsey Beer Mile?
The Beer Mile runs roughly from the London Bridge / Borough end down to South Bermondsey, threaded along the railway arches of Druid Street, Enid Street and Spa Terminus, with Maltby Street Market in the middle. It genuinely is walkable end to end in well under a mile — the time goes on the beer, not the walking. The whole route sits within the SE1 and SE16 postcodes, a short hop south of the River Thames and Tower Bridge.
How to get there
- London Bridge (Underground & National Rail) — best for starting at the northern end near Druid Street.
- Bermondsey (Jubilee line) — drops you near the middle of the route.
- South Bermondsey (National Rail) — handy for the southern end.
- Bus & on foot: it's a short walk from Tower Bridge and Borough Market, so it pairs perfectly with a wider day around London Bridge.
The route: a rough map
Most people walk the Mile from the London Bridge end southwards (or the reverse). While the exact line-up changes, a typical order of arches takes in:
- Druid Street: Southwark Brewing Co and Anspach & Hobday's Arch House.
- Maltby Street: the weekend market — your lunch stop — plus surrounding arches.
- Enid Street: a dense run including the likes of Affinity, Moor's London vaults and others.
- Towards South Bermondsey: Bianca Road, Fabal, Hiver and more.
Treat any printed map as a starting point — breweries open, move and expand constantly, and a static map dates quickly. If you'd rather not plan it at all, our guided Bermondsey Beer Mile tour visits six hand-picked taprooms in the right order with beer included.
Bermondsey Beer Mile opening times
Saturday is the classic day, when virtually every arch throws open its taproom — roughly 11am to early evening, though some go later. Plenty of breweries now also open Thursday to Sunday, and a few midweek, but hours vary arch to arch. Sundays are quieter and many close by late afternoon. Always check each brewery's own website or social media before a midweek or evening visit, as times shift seasonally and around private events.
How long does the Beer Mile take?
Allow a relaxed four to six hours to do it justice. The walking between arches is minimal; the time goes on tasting, chatting and queuing at the busier taprooms. If you only have a couple of hours, pick three or four breweries rather than rushing the lot — quality over quantity.
A suggested Beer Mile itinerary
Here's a relaxed full-day plan that keeps the pace sensible:
- 12:00 — Start at the Druid Street end with a lager or pale to ease in.
- 1:00 — Lunch at Maltby Street Market to line the stomach.
- 2:00–5:00 — Work south through three or four taprooms, drinking in thirds and trying different styles.
- 5:00 — Finish with something dark, or carry on into the evening at a favourite.
Prefer it done for you? That's essentially what our 12–6pm guided tour delivers, with the beer included.
How much should you budget?
Most taprooms sell thirds, halves and pints, with thirds typically a couple of pounds and pints often £6–£8 for craft. Factor in lunch at Maltby Street and you might budget £40–£70 for a full day, depending on how many breweries you visit and what you eat. A guided tour bundles the beer into one price so there are no surprises and no rounds to organise.
What to drink (and how to pace it)
The smart move is to drink in thirds — it's the only way to sample widely without falling at the first arch. A good progression is to start light (lager or pale), work through hoppy pales and IPAs, reset the palate with a sour mid-way, and finish dark with a porter or stout. Our best breweries guide suggests exactly what to order at each stop, and our beer tasting guide explains the styles.
Insider tips for the Beer Mile
- Start early. Arches fill up fast on Saturday afternoons; mornings are calmer and you'll get served quicker.
- Eat properly. Maltby Street Market is right there for street food — build in a lunch stop.
- Bring cash and card. Most take card, but it speeds things up at busy hatches.
- Wear comfy shoes and dress for the weather — arches can be cool, and you'll be in and out.
- Hydrate and pace yourself — it's a marathon, not a sprint. Drink responsibly.
- Go guided for a first visit, a special occasion or a group — you'll skip the planning and actually learn what you're drinking.
Doing the Beer Mile as a group
The Mile is brilliant for birthdays, stag dos and hen parties — but herding a big group between arches, ordering and keeping everyone together is hard work for whoever's organising. A private guided tour solves that: a guide handles the route, the venues and the pace while you enjoy the day. See our stag & hen do ideas for inspiration.
Do it the easy way
Our Bermondsey Beer Mile Tour (12–6pm, beer included) handles the route, the order and the introductions, with a local guide who explains the brewing along the way. New to the area? Read our history of the Beer Mile for the back-story.
Accessibility, toilets and families
The route is flat and pavement-based, so it's manageable for most, though the arches themselves vary — some are step-free and roomy, others tight and cobbled out front. Most taprooms have toilets for customers, and Maltby Street Market has facilities too. It's an over-18s drinking environment in the evenings, but earlier in the day many taprooms are relaxed, dog-friendly and fine for a quick, sensible family visit before it gets busy. If anyone in your group has access needs, message the breweries ahead — staff are generally happy to help.