That Leyton(stone) Life: A Guide

Unless you live in Leytonstone, Leytonstone is really quite far away and can also be conflated with Leyton, which is sort of the same place but not quite. However, it is fast becoming a hub for indie beer due to real estate on the cheaper side (in the context of London), a younger demographic emerging due to the aforementioned reason, and proximity to areas that have attracted craft beer for a little longer, like Walthamstow.

Without further ado, here is your unexpectedly fruitful beer crawl around the Leyton/stone area.

Gravity Well
Coming out of Covid, this was the newest kid on the block, not just in Leyton but pretty much anywhere in London. Literally underneath Leyton Midland Overground station, this brewery will be one of those “I was there before it was big” places as it’s making ripples in the London beer scene like the moon on the sea.*
Good for: Rich, creamy New England/hazy IPAs; Super small batch quality; Being one of the first to rate a beer on Untappd.
Things to note: This is a small operation and they are doing it with aplomb, with every offering at a high quality that belies the relative youth of the brewery. All I can say is go there, try the beer and we guarantee you’ll takeaway a few cans so you can keep enjoying it without having to trek all the way back (for a few weeks at least).
Beer: We’ve said it all above. Amazing stuff. Keep an eye on the ABV – some of these taste like juice and have the potency of juice with a large shot of vodka thrown in.
Vibez: The tap room is a small space that is brand new, minimalist and laid back with a little outdoor part that gets totally full by 4.30pm on a Friday after having opened at 4pm. Get here early or rely on turnover as they don’t take reservations and fortunately most of the beer is so strong that most people can’t handle a session that goes on too long.
Price: Really good – you won’t find a cheaper Double IPA in London.
Warmth: Friendly as expected from a small, passionate and very authentic setup.
*_{If you don’t get it, read a physics text book.}

Solvay Society – sadly, Solvay Society closed down in December 2022.
It genuinely takes us about the same amount of time to get to Belgium as it does to get to Leytonstone, but if that isn’t the case for you then Solvay Society is a lovely shortcut.
Good for: Getting yourself some Belgian-style craft beer, made right here.
Things to note: The beer itself is brewed off-site but a recent crowd-funder has ensured it will all be unified in the next door archway. Great people, great beer and one where you can really sense what it takes to run a brewery in London today.
Beer: Lots of variety with some funky and creative flavours – not a place for your hazy IPAs, which is fine because you’ll have had your fill at Gravity Well anyway.
Vibez: It is really quite small, maybe 4-5 tables total, so be prepared! A pop up gazebo provides cover from the elements, and in due course with the expansion things may be getting bigger. You can call ahead to book, too.
Price: Affordable for Belgian style brews although not “cheap”.
Warmth: Friendly owner happy to chat about their process in a teeny tiny tap room offering a lot of unique and delicious Belgian-inspired stuff.

Filly Brook
The next stop is not a brewery, but a totally out of place cabin-looking thing on the side of a residential road.
Good For: A great selection of London craft; Quaint, almost mountainside-feeling atmosphere; Live music.
Things to note: Good sunshine on the outside seating and a back garden in a marquee for those who prefer outdoor drinking away from the road. They do live music and/or DJs most weekend nights.
Beer: Varied and affordable – something for everyone, all independent craft, all great.
Vibez: Busy, buzzing beer fans in either a gazebo or a log cabin, so a good time is had by all.
Price: Very affordable prices and importantly, lots of different pour sizes, which we always appreciate. We’re still lobbying for 2/5ths to become a thing and if it ever does, I imagine Filly Brook will be one of the first pioneers.
Warmth: Never as warm as a brewery but well informed staff are helpful and accommodating.

Mammoth Tap
Run by the former brewer for Crate, Mammoth Tap is actually now the newest brewery on the block, having opened in Spring 2022.
Good For: Residential, familiar atmosphere; Wonderful core beer range.
Things to note: No food available but very chilled about bringing your own in from any of the establishments on the nearby high street.
Beer: Really excellent beers, a sort of “one of everything” type situation, brewed so small-batch that the quality is always fantastic. Note that it’s brewed a few neighbourhoods away, not on this site.
Vibez: Real locals feel to this one, given the location. Calm, family and dog friendly, great for a Saturday afternoon social and chatting to others who are sharing your table.
Price: Fair for such small batch, although a little pricier than you might expect given where it is.
Warmth: Very – the team are very happy to give tasters, explain the beers and the owner, Mark, is often on hand and happy to have a chat.

Bonus Stop: Arch Deli
For the ten minute walk down to the final stop, pop into Arch Deli. A buzzing little brick-laden cove, you can pick up some of London’s best beer to go, or chill out inside if you fancy some fresh bread, deli snacks or charcuterie to (sort of) soak up the booze. Lovely people, lovely produce.

Know another dedicated craft beer spot in Leyton/stone? Let us know in the comments, we’ll visit and if it fits the bill, we’ll add it in!