Dip your toes into Deptford: A Guide
Not gonna lie, before doing this we thought Deptford was in Surrey or somewhere. Now we’re really glad it’s not.
Just a seven minute train from London Bridge, or a million hour DLR trip from Bank (we didn’t time it specifically but this felt like a good estimate), Deptford has gained exposure as the so-called ‘Brooklyn of London’, which it is not. However, it is a community-focused area that is very walkable and sprinkled with a mixture of historical neighbourhood charm and bourgeois hipster gentrification. The combination and tessellation of the two help Deptford stand out, and though there are places to be ignored (see: Job Centre, a former actual job centre turned into a bar, which we felt was insensitive at best and actively classist at worst) the craft beer scene there is buoyant and leans into Deptford’s collaborative spirit. A day out there is an enriching experience, so here are the independent beer spots to hit if you dip your toes into Deptford.
Villages Brewery and Taproom
Good For: Social Impact Beer; Chilling Out.
Things to note: No food at this one and gets very busy in the late-afternoon on a Saturday.
Beer: Villages have some of the best small-batch beer in the city and drinking on site is a real treat. They have their core range along with some more niche offerings that you can only find here.
Vibez: It is very small, with around 10 tables in a narrow train archway. It’s pretty chilled out – somewhere to sit and read a newspaper, have a deep conversation with friends, you know the type.
Prices: We were pleasantly surprised (given it is *still* London) that Villages is not particularly expensive.
Warmth: Villages put their energy into social-impact causes so feel free to have a chitchat to whoever is on the bar about their latest projects and ideas.
SALT Taproom
Good For: Pizza; Daylight.
Things to note: The beer is not brewed on site here and they combine the best of SALT with plentiful guest taps.
Beer: As mentioned, the SALT beer they have is mostly core-range with a couple of specials, while the guest beers are some of London’s best.
Vibez: The taproom is a large, bright and modern space, all tile and big windows. This adds to a fresh, youthful feel to the space that is populated by a diverse mix of people wanting a pizza, craft beer, or stopping somewhere near the station, given it’s about a two-minute walk away.
Prices: A little pricier than Villages, this still comes in under-average for London.
Warmth: Very friendly bar staff who are happy to provide tasters, chat about the beer and give their advice, though as this isn’t the brewery itself it’s not quite the same as being at the heart of the action. For that, however, you’d have to go to Leeds – so this suffices.
Little Faith
Good For: Socialising; Beer Variety.
Things to note: There is food, currently Indian fusion. It is extremely good.
Beer: Little Faith doesn’t brew its own beer but has a phenomenal range from around the city. Something for everyone across all sorts of styles.
Vibez: A buzzing cafe-style bar with all sorts going on, this no-frills but nicely decorated, space was a delight to be in – we absolutely loved it.
Prices: Around the same as SALT above.
Warmth: The team are fantastic here, well-versed in their craft (pun intended) and happy to offer tasters, talk about the beer and the space itself.
The Dog & Bell
Good For: Going back in time; Really soft carpet.
Things to note: Food is plentiful, Guinness is perfectly poured, this is an old school boozer with the charm of prime Jude Law. Needs to be seen to be believed.
Beer: The Guinness we already mentioned, but lo and behold there are multiple indie craft options on keg (alongside some tasteless macro rubbish for the peasants) and a solid four delights on cask.
Vibez: Immaculate. All regulars, some people in groups and some reading books, as social or antisocial as you prefer with multiple rooms decked out in all sorts of Irish pub memorabilia and a variety of seating options. Oh, and did we mention the carpet? Like walking on a cloud.
Prices: A little above average to be honest; £6.50 for a Guinness is steep even by 2024 standards, despite how well it’s served.
Warmth: No nonsense doesn’t mean rude – they’re efficient and straight-talking, and that’s fine by us. The patrons are jolly and drunken and if you fancy a chat, there’ll be someone.
Hop Burns & Black
Good For: Stocking up for the long ride home.
Things to note: This little bottle shop does craft beer and hot sauce, is right underneath the train station and has a few taps too.
Beer: In cans and bottles, basically everything. On tap, a couple of nice guest pours if you have a few minutes before your train.
Vibez: It’s pretty tiny, though in the summer months some seats outside on the newly redeveloped square would probably be a delightful place to sit and sip.
Prices: As with most bottle shops, it skews a little more expensive on draft pour, though the cans are reasonable by London standards.
Warmth: It’s a bottle shop, so expect kind and knowledgeable staff who want to introduce you to your new favourite brewery.
Know another great craft beer spot in Deptford? Let us know and we’ll give it a visit!
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