Planning a trip to the Bermondsey Beer Mile? Whether you're organising a birthday, stag or hen do, celebrating with friends, or simply looking for a fun London challenge, knowing where to start the Bermondsey Beer Mile can make a big difference to your day.
Our answer? Start at SMALL BEER.
We're a brewery and taproom in South Bermondsey, just a short walk from South Bermondsey station and close to the southern end of the Bermondsey Beer Mile. And while there are plenty of ways to tackle the Beer Mile, starting here has a few advantages - especially if you're planning to make a full day of it.
What is the Bermondsey Beer Mile?
The Bermondsey Beer Mile is one of London's best-known craft beer trails, bringing together breweries, taprooms and beer bars across Bermondsey, SE1 and SE16.
The route has grown considerably since the Beer Mile first emerged, and there isn't one single official starting point or finish line. The current route includes twenty-odd breweries and beer spots spread through the railway arches and streets of Bermondsey.
That means you can tackle it in different directions depending on where you want to finish, what you want to see and, importantly, when your favourite stops are open.
If you're looking for the starting point of the Bermondsey Beer Mile, we recommend beginning in South Bermondsey and working your way towards London Bridge.
And that's where SMALL BEER comes in.
Why start the Bermondsey Beer Mile at SMALL BEER?
1. Start with a mid-strength beer
Let's be honest: if you're taking on the Bermondsey Beer Mile, you probably don't want to go straight in at the deep end.
You'll encounter plenty of different beer styles and strengths as you make your way along the route, so starting with a mid-strength beer is a pretty good way to ease yourself into the day.
At SMALL BEER, every beer we brew is between 2.0% and 2.8% ABV.
You can still expect full flavour and character, just at a more sessionable strength.
In addition, as every SMALL BEER is brewed under 2.8% ABV, they sit below the diuretic threshold, meaning they actively hydrate your body, unlike standard-strength beers.
In short: they're low enough that they hydrate you, but high enough for you to enjoy the buzz.
Of course, the Beer Mile isn't a race. Pace yourself, drink water and enjoy the beers rather than trying to tick off as many stops as possible.
But if you're looking for a smart place to start the Bermondsey Beer Mile, we'd argue that mid-strength is a pretty good place to begin.
2. Line your stomach with pizza
Beer Mile rule number one: don't start drinking on an empty stomach. Luckily, you don't have to.
We've teamed up with Yard Sale Pizza, so you can grab something to eat alongside your first SMALL BEER before heading further along the route.
Whether you're going for a full pizza or just getting something substantial in before the next few stops, it's worth fuelling up before you get properly stuck into the Beer Mile.
Think of it as your Beer Mile pit stop before the main event.
3. Catch the game before you hit the Mile
If you're planning your Beer Mile around a big match, SMALL BEER is also a great place to meet before you set off.
Our taproom has big screens showing live sport, so you can settle in with a beer, grab some food and catch the start of the game before making your way towards the rest of Bermondsey.
We're also a brewery, so this is your chance to actually drink beer where it's made.
Our taproom sits alongside the brewery itself, with our brewing kit right there in the space. It's a little different from simply starting at a pub - you're kicking off your Beer Mile at an actual London brewery.
How long is the Bermondsey Beer Mile?
Despite the name, the Bermondsey Beer Mile isn't simply a one-mile walk with a fixed beginning and end.
The route has expanded over the years and now covers a network of breweries and taprooms across Bermondsey and South Bermondsey. Exactly how long it takes depends on how many stops you make, how long you spend at each one and which route you take.
In other words, you could spend a couple of hours exploring a handful of breweries, or turn it into a full-day adventure.
That's part of the fun.
You don't have to visit every single stop. In fact, trying to race around the entire route probably isn't the best way to experience it. Pick a few breweries you're excited about, leave time to actually enjoy each one. Remember that the aim is to have a good day, not simply to collect as many pints as possible.
Where to find SMALL BEER?
Our brewery is at:
SMALL BEER Brewery & Taproom
70–72 Verney Road
London
SE16 3DH
We're around 5 minutes from South Bermondsey station, 15 minutes from Surrey Quays and 22 minutes from Bermondsey Underground station.
One of the advantages of travelling from South Bermondsey towards London Bridge is that you've got plenty of options for food, drinks and public transport when you're ready to call it a day.
For the full route and current list of stops, check out the Bermondsey Beer Mile map and guide.
Planning a Bermondsey Beer Mile birthday, stag or hen do?
If you're tackling the Beer Mile with a group, you don't have to just turn up and hope there's space.
You can book a table at SMALL BEER for the start of your day, making sure your group has somewhere to meet, grab a beer and get some food before setting off.
We're also available for larger group bookings and private events at our South Bermondsey brewery.
Email events@smallbeer.co to book a table or enquire about bringing your group to the brewery.
