The Kernel Brewery is perhaps the one beer producer that most other London breweries measure themselves against. Grandmasters of the craft beer game, their weekly bottle shop and brewery taproom are the hottest ticket in town – not that you actually need a ticket. But with opening hours from 9am till 2pm you’ve got to be quick to sample the freshest brews in South London.
Located on Dockley Road, the Kernel’s outfit fits into a relatively compact arch in the same way as a host of other Bermondsey based breweries. Its Saturday openings attract big crowds and due to the phenomenon of the Bermondsey Beer Mile crawl, you’ll usually find long queues for the bar from 1pm onwards. Not that this should affect your decision to visit. Get in line, wait your turn and the beer will taste all the better for the ten-minute hold-up.
Kernel don’t just serve barrel fresh beer at the brewery, the arch also sells a range of its beer to takeaway. Like the draught taps, you can usually find limited run beers that you won’t find in other Kernel stockists.
If you’re looking for a day out with a difference then the trip to Bermondsey is a good place to start. Take in the Kernel Brewery, get involved with the good-natured crowd as things play out on just the right side of organised fun and sample some of the finest beer being brewed in London.