Enjoy the tastes and subtleties of the local craft beer and distillery phenomenon.
There are a number of beloved, locally owned small-batch brewers and distilleries dedicated to making exceptional craft beer and cocktails, right here in our neck-of-the-woods. Beer lovers and spirits enthusiasts can find everything from signature brews, artisanal craft beers and one-of-a-kind cocktails, to seasonal flavours that pay homage to the hard work and wisdom of our local farmers. So, join us and raise a glass to London's incredible local breweries and distilleries listed below. Cheers to you checking them all out the next time you're in the Forest City!
Anderson Craft Ales
Head over to the Old East Village’s family-owned, independent craft brewery. Anderson Craft Ales focuses on small-batch, handcrafted premium hop-based ales and offers cans, kegs and growlers. Recently they've gotten some attention for introducing a revolutionary carbon capturing technology (the first of its kind in Ontario) that greatly improves their carbon footprint. There’s a tap room that sells beers by the glass or flight and the atmosphere is convivial and relaxed. The refurbished industrial building is structured for tours and community events. The kitchen, run by EAT.O.A, is open Wednesday-Thursday 12:00 - 9:00pm, Friday-Saturday 12:00 - 10:00pm and Sunday 11:00am - 5:00pm. Weekend brunch anyone?!
Forked River Brewing Company
Forked River Brewing Company is London's oldest craft brewery. Three local, award-winning home brewers teamed up to bring the Forest City the beer it deserves. They're always brewing something new, with batches made in the traditional craftsman manner. Quality, all natural ingredients are essential! There are three flagship brews - Capital Blonde Ale, Riptide Pale Ale and Interstellar IPA, along with a great selection of rotating seasonal flavours. The newly expanded taproom is family friendly with games and crafts for the kids, making it the perfect place to enjoy or a flight or glass while spending time with friends and family.
London Brewing
London Brewing cares deeply about the quality of their ingredients and the sustainability of their product. They’re one of two certified organic craft breweries in Ontario and one of less than 20 in all of Canada. London Brewing is a democratic enterprise owned by its employee members - who seek to create great beer, good jobs and produce a positive impact on their community. Operating locally matters - all of their beers feature Ontario grown ingredients (most coming from within 117km of the brewery) and they were the first Craft Malt Certified brewery in Canada, reflecting their commitment to supporting local. They've got a busy events and musical entertainment calendar, trivial nights and backyard games set up plus two incredible patios. You're definitely going to want to spend some extra time at London Brewing.
Toboggan Brewing Company
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Family owned and operated, Toboggan Brewing Company is located in the heart of downtown London right across from Victoria park. The name “Toboggan” actually comes from London's history of being a tobogganing Mecca in the late 1800s! They proudly feature eight core brands at all times both on tap in the restaurant and in cans in their retail store, but their rotating selection of seasonal brews ensures there’s always something new to try. The spacious restaurant is the perfect place to bring friends, family or coworkers as they can host events for groups up to 200. It's also worth mentioning the upstairs patio is a favourite for both locals and visitors alike!
Powerhouse BRewing Company
Located in the original powerhouse of the newly revitalized Kellogg's factory, Powerhouse Brewing Company is a focal point at 100 Kellogg Lane, Canada's largest indoor entertainment centre. With five core brands and a rotating cast of collaborations and seasonal brews, Powerhouse always has rich flavours to enjoy. Their beers, paired with classic pub fare and unique comfort food specials (the corn bread is to die for!) make for an amazing day or night out in Old East Village. The event space on their mezzanine overlooks the brew floor and is perfect for private events.
Beerlab!
Located in the heart of Downtown London, this small batch brewery is not to be missed when on outings with friends, dates or before and after special events at Budweiser Gardens. Operating as a microbrewery focused on small batch beers that are constantly changing, you'll want to sample everything on this menu when you stop by their taproom or take a seat on their patio. Brewed by the Denim Brothers themselves, Beerlab! is a local London gem you'll need remember when traveling in the Forest City.
DUNDAS & SONS BREWING COMPANY
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Located in Old East Village, this nano brewery serves the Forest City with locally sourced organic and all natural craft beers, wines, spirits, cocktails and food. Dundas & Sons also proudly features local musical talent, making it a great destination to support London's music and art scene. Recently they have announced their partnership with Doing Fine Kitchen located right next door so you can enjoy delicious eats as you sip on that cold drink!
Storm Stayed Brewing Company
Storm Stayed Brewing Company is small, community-oriented craft brewery that believes it takes more than just quality ingredients, sound science and innovative techniques to make a brewery special. Feel welcomed into the Coves neighbourhood (near Old South) as you visit their modern, dog friendly taproom or patio! Whether you like traditional or modern and whether you prefer crisp and clean, hop forward, fruity and sour or dark and malty, Storm Stayed offers a little something for everyone. Stop by for a while or grab some super fresh cans to go.
Union Ten Distilling Co.
As London's first distillery, Union Ten Distilling, is enthusiastic about crafting small-batch spirits with innovative methods and natural ingredients. So enthusiastic in fact, that they set out on a quest across North America to gain deeper level of knowledge of their craft. Others may say it's just ‘drinking their way across the country', but after partaking in their fair share of craft whiskeys, applejack and vodkas, they believe they know a thing or two about premium spirits. Open for private events, tours and tastings, you're going to want to indulge in these delicious spirits the next time you're in London.
Paradigm Spirits Co.
Nestled in the compounds of 100 Kellogg Lane, Paradigm Spirits Co. is the Forest City’s latest distillery. The former Kellogg processing facility presented a unique opportunity to produce spirits using many of the same ingredients used in cereal production that are grown and harvested within the region. Their products are sold on site but can be found throughout all of London in delicious cocktails at local restaurants! Paradigm is the perfect spot to book private events including cocktail classes that will make you the envy of your peers.
HONOURABLE MENTION
beer kitchen
We had to make an honourable mention for the newest addition to 100 Kellogg Lane's impressive drink portfolio. Added in 2024, the Beer Kitchen is Ontario’s largest tank to glass experience. With a unique take on a traditional German beer garden, this space features incredible brews, delicious bites (the pretzels are a must), fun vendors and events all within a unique environment that transports you outdoors for that true garden feel. Ask any brewer in the world where the best beer is found. Every one of them will tell you the same thing: Right from the tank!
Disclaimer: This content is for people of legal drinking age only following the Province of Ontario liquor laws. Please do not share with those who aren’t. Enjoy responsibly.
