2011 has been a monumental year for the capital’s real ale industry with loads of new microbreweries, brewpubs and ale houses popping up to sate the increasing demand. In the first of our features on brewing in the capital, leading beer writer Des de Moor takes a look at Fuller’s, the Chiswick-based brewery who are the only historic craft brewery left in the capital. Luckily for beer lovers, they have stayed true to their roots and still occupy the same picturesque location on the banks of the Thames to this very day. Take it away, Des…

London Breweries: Fuller’s

The Past

Fuller’s logo immortalises the year 1845, but brewing on the site, between the river Thames and the A4 at Chiswick, dates back at least …

After an extended hiatus, JJ Goodman returns and continues his quest to recruit the best bar industry heads in town. This time: Marcis Dzelzainis steps up to the plate, an award-winning mixologist with impeccable credentials. Take it away JJ…

(Above: JJ Goodman)

(Above: Marcis Dzelzainis)

JJ: Tell us where you’re at and what are you working towards?
MD: I work for Tony Conigliaro as the operations manager for 69 Colebrooke Row. What I’m working towards? I haven’t a clue! But that’s the whole point of working for Tony: you never know what’s around the corner.

Who’s behind it?
The infamous …

Jake Burger is a bartender’s bartender and has long been recognised as one of the UK’s leading figures in the cocktail world. As someone who has an insider knowledge of the best bars in town, we asked him to round his some of his favs for a good ol’ party…

Portobello Star
I have a vested interest in including this one, it being the place I currently call home. Friendly staff, good drinks, proper music and since we had the builders back in even a ceiling that doesn't leak and locks on the toilet doors. Also home to 'London’s Second Smallest Museum:' The Ginstitute. Expect to see: Bartenders who're supposed to be working at Trailer Happiness, …

London Cocktail Week returns bigger and better in 2011 with ten days of industry masterclasses and over 100 bars taking part in their £4 cocktail scheme for wristband holders. With the excellent idea of providing Routemaster buses to ferry attendees from bar to bar, LCW gives a whole new meaning to drinking your way around town! As a preview to this year’s event, we asked LCW to select some of their favourite bars and one of the team’s new additions, Chloe Randall, has given a bar for every occasion below. Take it away, Chloe…

Late night London, with its sparkling skylines and buzzing streets, can be a little overwhelming for city newcomers like me! When it comes to hitting the town, how an earth do you choose between the countless …

Dre Masso is a renowned bar and cocktail consultant. He is currently guest editor of the gin and cocktail website www.ginandtales.com and is about to take up a new residency running the LTD Bar at The Social. As someone with a huge amount of industry know-how, we asked him to select his favourite bars below. Take it away, Dre…

I have been working in the London bar scene for nearly twenty years and often get asked to recommend my favourite bars in this great city. To be honest there are so many wonderful establishments that I’m frequently spoiled for choice but here is a selection of old and new. …