A drinking delight, savouring some real English ale in a dedicated ale house is considered by all its fans to be one of life’s little pleasures.

The Definition of English Real Ale
What sets real ale apart from other beers is that it’s technically alive when served. Unlike lesser brews which are pasteurised after production, real ales continue to ferment in the cask or barrel after they leave the brewery. As fermentation continues, carbon dioxide is produced dissolving into the beer. For the stamp of a true real ale, it should be hand-pumped before it’s served.

London Brewers

Chiswick based Fullers have taken home the big prize at the Champion Beer of Britain competition in the past. ESB and London Pride are the most commonly available English real ales in London and are both complex and tasty. Careful when throwing back an 1845 or London Porter as it’s a little stronger.

Wandsworth’s Youngs brew up the perfect pint for long summer afternoons. Youngs Bitter is clean and crisp while the Special Bitter is a touch stronger. Try their two seasonal bitters: Winter Warmer is a rich, ruby-coloured brew with strong fruity flavours while the summery Waggledance has honey added to the fermentation mix.

Other brands of English real ale to look out for in your local ale house include Theakstons, Greene King, Hook Norton and Samuel Smith.

Fullers, Youngs and Shepherd Neame pubs are scattered across London - just look for the signs outside, they can be found all over the capital. Independent real ale pubs across the capital are also worth the time spent traveling to them.

Natasha Vuckovic