The independent craft beer shops of North London: A Guide
Covid era intro, for posterity: Visiting breweries, pubs and bars is off the table for now due to the indefinite yo-yo of lockdown, the saddest part of which is that yo-yo’s are now used as a negative metaphor rather than a joyous pastime for 8 year olds. Luckily, the dedicated local bottle shops are rightly deemed essential, so we must rely on this bastion of craft beer establishments as Dry January comes to an end for the 7 people who managed to do it this year.
New intro: Local, independent bottle shops are a bastion of our community. You should buy your beer there. In no particular order, with address links going to Google Maps or their own “find us” pages, here are the shops from which I recommend you procure your takeaway craft beer in the Great Republic of North London.
Indiebeer
322 Holloway Rd, London N7 6NJ
Holloway Road isn’t exactly known for its boutique storefronts but Indiebeer is a revelation, a bookcase-like row of fridges stretching out like a library of deliciousness. Sofas and tables provide a cosy drink-in experience when rules allow and the super knowledgeable wife-husband team of Clare and Owen are always on hand to guide you through the various styles. Four taps of hard to find beers on keg behind the counter are the finishing touch to this beer biblioteque.
Caps and Taps
141, Fortress Road, London NW5 2HR
A blink-and-you’ll-miss-it storefront enroute from Kentish Town to Tufnell Park isn’t helped by the adjacent bus stop making it look like there is constantly a long queue outside. Once you realise the elderly folk waiting for the 134 aren’t the boutique beer type, you’ll enter into a warm enclave of magic (not that the elderly can’t enjoy boutique beer, of course, but empirical research shows that they aren’t the primary demographic consumers). The past few months C&T have been particularly Saturated in DEYA beers from up in Cheltenham, and another set of husband-wife owners, Phil and Steph, will provide laid back advice on the current in-trend beers to pick up. Additional points for nabbing a few US East Coast imports, which can be pricey but are nice for a treat.
12 Ounce Bottleshop – sadly, 12oz closed in summer 2022.
31 Park Rd, Crouch End, London N8 8TE
A newcomer to the scene having opened in Autumn 2020, you guessed it – another husband-wife setup (!) sees a bright contemporary space with “mostly beers we’d like to drink, plus a few for the masses” according to owners Alex and Greg, ever chatty and knowledgeable to help you choose from the spoils. Some thoughtful beer gift boxes with edgy choices rather than only the usual suspects (yknow, Siren, Gypsy Hill, Tiny Rebel) are a highlight here.
Whitehall Wines
89 Cheverton Rd, London N19 3BA
Off the beaten track is an understatement – Whitehall Wines is situated alone at the crossroads of two entirely residential backstreets between Archway and Highgate. Appearing like a mirage, this tiny, family run off-license reveals hidden wonders of Verdant, Pressure Drop and DEYA galore along with plenty of international bottles and owner Sel knows his stuff and is proud of his produce. The beers here are often slightly cheaper than all the other establishments due to the stock being slightly older, but unless you are a certified Cicerone you won’t notice the difference between a 2 week and 2 month old IPA. This place is therefore also highly recommended for those looking to pick up releases that they might have missed first time around.
Bottle Apostle
Various locations – Crouch End, Primrose Hill, Victoria Park
Similar to Clapton Craft with its various locations, Bottle Apostle seemed to shift strategy a few years ago to focus more on wine than beer. Despite this, it remains a very reliable outlet, especially for large choices of different beers from the more established craft breweries. If you want a nice bottle from The Kernel, for example, this is your place.
Clapton Craft
Various locations – Clapton, Finsbury Park, Kentish Town, Walthamstow
This the one you’ve seen and heard of. With several branches in London, four of which are in the hallowed North, they have a slicker feel than the other options here, although there can be a 5-10% price excess. Vast choice and friendly, knowledgeable staff, this might not be owned by the people you are meeting there but it is a great independent option nonetheless.
all good beer
Hackney Downs Studios, London E8 2BT
A teeny tiny revelation on the side of Hackney Downs Park, it’s part of a small, open-plan indoor market so if you get to the map point and wonder if you are in the right place – yes, you are. A great selection of the craft regulars, plus riskier offerings from newer breweries at very affordable prices, are a winning formula as it will help you discover something new. The biggest win is that owners Elliot and Libby (plus Elliot’s brother Mitchell) do free deliveries to a tonne of postcodes with a minimum of just £20.
Mother Kelly’s
Various locations – Bethnal Green, Tottenham, Stratford
In some ways a godmother of craft bottle shops, Mother Kelly’s has been a reliable source of the juice for many years, occupying its original archway in Bethnal Green way before archways were cool. Its focus on drink-in means that the takeaway selection can feel expensive, but if you’re in one of the areas it now serves then a quick gift for yourself is a no-brainer.
Seven Seasons
195 Hoxton Street, London N1 6RA
Just a little bit pricey, that’s what you get for being on the edge of Shoreditch. If you’re in the area it is a good pit stop. The highlight here is undoubtedly the no-holds-barred dark beer selection, which is the largest and most varied that we have seen anywhere in London. Niche 13% Imperial Caramel Stout? You’ll be spoilt for choice.
Beer and Burger
Various Locations – Kings Cross, Willesden Green
A restaurant that adapted with aplomb to lockdown, turning itself into a bottleshop. Indeed, its Kings Cross branch was the only shop, let alone restaurant, open for miles around, and what was it selling? Craft beer. It is definitely more expensive than all the others on this list, but you can pick up a burger and fries with your beer so for those who need more than a liquid lunch, this is an ideal option. Also helpful for those stranded in the craft beer wasteland of North-West London.
Real Drinks
Various Locations – Maida Vale, Notting Hill
Right off Little Venice and Portobello Road respectively, Real Drinks (formerly Real Ale) is a beacon of beer in a sea of wine*. These Western parts are not known for a craft scene, yet Real Drinks mixes it with the Easties despite being the size of an average Dalston bedroom. It uses its limited square footage well, absolutely packed to the brim with craft beer, so if you’re house-hunting with your lottery winnings, enjoy.
*wow that sounds incredible and if anyone can make this metaphor a reality that would be appreciated.
Forest Wines
149, Forest Road, London E17 6HE
A five minute walk from Blackhorse Road station, perpendicular to the strip that all the breweries are on, lies this bottle shop. Forest Wines has been around a few years and has an eclectic and affordable selection of independent craft beer, with extremely knowledgeable and friendly staff. A takeaway here is perfect if you need a beer to get you down to Pressure Drop in Tottenham Hale, want a takeaway in the park while you wait for a spot to open up at one of the Blackhorse Road breweries, or have a long walk home.
Bottle. – sadly, Bottle. closed in 2023.
67 Highgate High Street, London N6 5JX
The newest addition to the hub of craft beer shops in the North-West-ish part of London, Bottle. (with a full stop) is tucked away on the busy Highgate High Street, inside a trendy cafe. It has a very competitive selection of craft beer, heading towards the “you can’t really find this anywhere else” vibe, and is priced accordingly.
Drinker’s Paradise
129 Castlehaven Road, London NW1 8SJ
The branding screams regular off license but the array of bottles in the window screams treasure trove. Worldwide craft beer dominates here, with selections from all over the globe that you simply cannot find anywhere else in London. The price points can be a little high but if you are craving independent craft beer from destinations afar, this is your place.
Do you know a dedicated independent beer shop in North London that isn’t on the list? Let us know in the comments below – we’ll visit every suggestion and if it fits the bill, we’ll add it in!