Forget the Bermondsey Beer Mile — Walthamstow's Blackhorse Beer Mile is making a strong case as London's true brewery capital. As the stretch celebrates its fourth birthday during the May bank holiday weekend, its breweries are thriving while their southern counterparts face challenges.
A Tale of Two Beer Miles
Ten miles south, Bermondsey's famed beer mile has transformed from a hub for small breweries into a tourist destination for stag dos and day-trippers, according to a Londoner investigation in March. Rising rents and private equity have pushed out the very breweries that built its reputation. Meanwhile, in Walthamstow, the Blackhorse Beer Mile is charting a different course.
"I would say we’re already the brewery capital of London," said Tom Bott, co-owner of Signature Brew. "It’s evidenced by the number of people you’ll see wandering around these breweries every weekend." Bott notes that the area attracts crowds seeking a destination for interesting breweries and a lovely afternoon, while also serving the local community on weekdays.
Signature Brew's Rise
Tom Bott, 37, hails from a family of brewers in the Midlands. He launched Signature Brew with his cousin Sam McGregor in Leyton in 2015. As the space grew cramped, they moved to a disused warehouse in Uplands Business Park four years later. Just five months after the move, the Covid pandemic hit, forcing them to shut down and lose pub sales. Despite this, Signature Brew adapted to the trend toward experience-based drinking and the rising popularity of IPAs and craft beers.
Today, Signature Brew is London's largest independent brewery. Bott explains, "Over the last few years our average audience has trended towards being younger, and that’s something we’re trying to harness." He dismisses the myth that young people don't drink, noting that those in their mid to late 20s, who lived through Covid, value going out and connecting with people. "They live their lives entirely digitally, so that moment to go out and connect with people is really important."
Community and Cohesion
Signature Brew, along with Big Penny Social and Exhale, launched the official Blackhorse Beer Mile in May 2022. The stretch has seen continued success, with more breweries, distilleries, and wineries opening. However, it hasn't been immune to challenges — Beerblefish, Wildcard, and Hackney have all closed permanently. Bott credits the cohesion among breweries for their resilience. "We all work together, plan events, and have a WhatsApp group to help each other out," he says. Each brewery plays a different role, catering to various audiences. "We’re around the corner from Big Penny Social, which is Walthamstow’s biggest creche, so we get the adults who don’t want to be near children."
Fourth Anniversary Celebration
The Blackhorse Beer Mile's fourth anniversary takes place on bank holiday Sunday, May 3, with free entry. Seven breweries, two wineries, and one distillery will participate in an all-day and evening event featuring food, drinks, and live music. It's a testament to the area's growth and community spirit.
As Bott sums up, "We’re all breweries — Bermondsey isn’t. It’s a collection of bars run by breweries, many of which are from Bristol or Manchester. Here, we’re genuine breweries serving our community."
