On Saturday 3 February, over twenty CAMRA Young Members from all parts of London met up at the Wimbledon brewery and taproom. We were joined by a handful of South West London branch members.
The taproom was serving a full range of cask beers, gravity poured direct from their cellar. There was also a range of six keg beers, two of which were guests from other brewers. The Petite Plum (3.5% ABV), a ‘special’ from Burning Sky was particularly well received.
Our tour was led by Simon Lewis, the managing director of the brewery, who, understanding the nature of the group, tailored his tour to suit our needs and questions. A highlight for me was the ‘Beeriodic Table’ that the brewery has produced. This is an excellent resource, which classifies all beer styles into an informative and easy-to-understand table. I really can’t wait until these become mass produced. We were treated to a glass of their traditionally brewed lager, straight from the tank, and the tour was capped off with everybody having a generous glug of the powerful and award winning XXXK barley wine!.
Post tour, our group had a great opportunity to mix and mingle in the well fitted out taproom and sample more of their excellent beers (with a generous discount for CAMRA visitors). There was Six Nations rugby showing on the big screens which bought joy and pain in equal measure and the taproom barbecue was most welcome.
On leaving the brewery, those of us still standing enjoyed the short walk to South West London branch’s since announced Pub of the Year, the Trafalgar, followed by its predecessor, the Sultan, where more good beer was enjoyed in great company.
I highly recommend the Wimbledon Brewery taproom to anyone wishing to take the ride along the Northern line to Colliers Wood. It is welcoming, comfortable, overlooks the brewery and has a fantastic beer range. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also take the tour! It is recommended that you check opening times on their website first.
If you would like to keep updated on CAMRA Young Members events, please see the Greater London CAMRA Young Members Facebook page.
Navindh Baburam