Everyone has a Christmas tradition.
The one I started back in 2015 was a Christmas pub crawl with The Old Git and it is the one tradition that I look forward to the most. The Mission: to taste and sample Christmas ales from a selection of pubs. For the last couple of years we have frequented East Central London and never go home sober or disappointed. Here’s the 2019 list. Sadly not all the following pubs had their Christmas ales available, so we just had to throw a couple of favourites into the mix.
102 Bunhill Row, EC1Y 8ND
Not originally on the list but this is a favourite of ours nonetheless and we were delighted when we arrived and found two stools free at the bar. Beer on tap was the usual Fuller choices including Oliver’s Island, Seafarers, ESB and London Pride. We wanted the Santa by the Surf which had sadly ran out so opted for the light and hoppy Fresh Tracks. Described as a White India Pale Ale, another seasonal beer brewed by Fuller’s, it was a first for both of us and a great way to kick off the crawl.
I love the layout of this pub; it sits on the corner by Bunhill cemetery and is always a bustling with activity – at lunchtimes and during the evenings.
Two Brewers
121 Whitecross Street EC1Y 8JH
I’ve been working in this area for around three years now and for whatever reason have never stepped inside this pub which sits at the bottom of the incredible street market, Whitecross. We walked in and again managed to grab two stools at the bar. The bar staff here were lovely, the gentleman that served me was very friendly and apologetic as they ran out of Landlord! We could, of course, have waited for the barrel to be changed but we were on a mission so opted for Black Sheep Pale Ale. Other choices included Harvey’s Sussex Best Bitter and Purity’s Mad Goose.
I wonder how much this pub has changed over the years. Hanging on the wall was a black and white picture and the outside and windows looked original. It was a truly beautiful pub, made extra special by the friendly staff. We will be heading back in the future.
1 Middle Street, Barbican, EC1A 7JA
A short stroll away which helps to work off some of the liquid is the Hand and Shears. We have frequented this pub many a times, and sometimes have even struggled to get in because it is so popular. But here, we never fail to not have a pint of Christmas ale. What I like about this pub is that it’s a step away from the hustle and bustle of Smithfield Market and the commuter trail of those heading to Farringdon. The setting is your typical Victorian London Street, but the pub has such a homely vibe that it reminds me of the pubs back home in Yorkshire. There are four compartments to this pub to drink in around the island bar. In this one we had a choice of two Christmas ales – BrewDolph and Rocking Rudolph among Urban Fox and Holy Cow. We went for the BrewDolph by Wychwood Brewery, at 4% it this light and crisp beer was very much welcome.
38 Cloth Fair, Barbican, EC1A 7JQ
As a duo, we can never seem to walk past a Sam Smith’s pub without popping in. By far the cheapest pint we bought all night and a safe and satisfying option for us. The Old Brewery Bitter is what we go for, though we did read that there is a Christmas ale available but couldn’t see it. The bar staff here are always so friendly which is also half the reason we go every year. Or multiple times a year. It’s also down the road from a 24hr greasy spoon which plates up ham, eggs and chips for under a fiver. Last Christmas we coincided with a student pub crawl of about 50 people so held our breath as we pushed the door open. Buzzy and busy but it wasn’t overcrowded – result!
Hoops and Grapes – Shepherd Neame
80 Farringdon Street, EC4A 4BL
The first year we went to this pub on our Christmas crawl we were met by an amazing bartender who really knew his stuff and recommended what to drink. Although, on the main road leading to Blackfriars, this pub is never as busy as I expect. By this point, we were well on our way and feeling rather hot, so decided to sit outside in the beer garden which was heaving despite it being a December night! We enjoyed Hardy’s and Hansen’s Rocking Rudolph, 4.2%, here – and missed a trick as you can get a CAMRA discount if you bring your card.
Crown and Sugar Loaf – Sam Smith’s
26 Bride Lane, EC4Y 8DT
By this point our list had barely been touched. We went incredibly off-piste but were having a great time. Finishing on another Sam Smith’s – this one is a truly beautiful establishment with wooden panels, old glass windows and mirrors lining the back wall. Because of its location, where it is sandwiched between two great pubs and sometimes overlooked, we normally get a seat. But as it was the day before mad Friday it was busy. We quickly took our two pints of Old Brewery Bitter and cut through the crowds to enjoy it outside.
After six pints and four hours, we were ready to wish each other Merry Christmas and good luck on getting home.
Whether it’s Christmas or not, this pub crawl will take you round some historic pubs with a mix of atmospheres and ambiance and most importantly, great beer.
For another pub walk around historic pubs, check out my post about Rochester.
Beer, there and everywhere 