London weddings just have a different vibe about them – something addictive and fun and DIY and… well, different! That was the case once again with this ace wedding I got to photograph a few months back.
No prep, straight into the ceremony at the registry office amidst the plethora or big red London wedding buses and other couples & guests milling around waiting for their own ceremonies to take place.
Once that was done and the confetti was thrown, it was straight onto the buses for the four mile tour of London, taking in most of the sights until we parked up, just over Tower Bridge at Pedro’s Wine Bar at the start of Bermondsey’s famous Bermondsey Beer Mile walk. Such a cool place.
Once there, it was drinks and canapés galore until the meal and speeches and a dance floor packed from the off.
Bermondsey
The Bermondsey Beer Mile is one of London’s best-known craft beer destinations, situated in Bermondsey, southeast London. It is a collection of independent breweries, taprooms and craft beer bars, many of which operate from the Victorian railway arches running beneath the railway lines. What was once an industrial area has developed into a popular destination for beer enthusiasts, attracting visitors from across London and beyond.
The Beer Mile is essentially a self-guided brewery crawl, allowing visitors to move between different venues, sample independently brewed beers and experience the atmosphere of London’s craft beer scene. Despite its name, the route can extend beyond a mile depending on which breweries you visit, with the main concentration of venues around Druid Street, Enid Street and the surrounding railway arches.
The breweries and venues
One of the original and most recognised establishments is The Kernel Brewery, which played an important role in establishing Bermondsey as a centre for independent brewing. Known for its pale ales, IPAs, stouts and saisons, The Kernel has built a strong reputation for producing high-quality beer without relying on mainstream commercial brewing techniques.
Another notable stop is Anspach & Hobday, particularly recognised for its darker beers, porters and stouts. Its Arch House taproom provides a relaxed environment in which to sample its range. For something a little different, The Barrel Project offers an atmospheric setting centred around barrel-aged beers, sour beers and experimental brewing techniques.
The area also attracts breweries and taprooms specialising in modern craft beer styles. Cloudwater is particularly associated with modern IPAs and hazy pale ales, while Kanpai London offers something different as London’s first sake brewery. This variety is part of what makes the Beer Mile interesting, as visitors aren’t restricted to sampling different versions of the same beer.
A large part of the appeal is the atmosphere. The railway arches provide an industrial backdrop, with exposed brickwork, graffiti, converted warehouses and outdoor seating creating a distinctive environment. Most venues are informal, with visitors free to come and go, meet friends and spend time discovering different breweries. Some have their own food offerings, while others host street-food traders or allow visitors to bring food from nearby establishments.
The Beer Mile has developed into more than simply a collection of breweries. It has become a social destination, particularly popular with groups of friends looking for an alternative to the traditional London pub crawl. The venues each have their own character, and the opportunity to speak directly with brewery staff and learn about the beers adds another dimension to the experience.
When to visit
Saturday is generally considered the best day to visit, as this is when the largest number of breweries and taprooms are open. Most venues begin opening around lunchtime, making it possible to spend an entire afternoon moving between establishments. Fridays can also be good for an after-work visit, although opening arrangements vary, while Sundays tend to offer a quieter experience with fewer venues operating.
A typical visit would last around four to five hours, although visitors could easily spend longer exploring the area. Rather than committing to a full pint in every establishment, ordering smaller measures allows people to experience a greater variety of beers without rushing through the afternoon.
Costs and overall appeal
Bermondsey Beer Mile isn’t necessarily a cheap afternoon out, with craft beer generally costing more than a standard pint in a traditional London pub. As a rough guide, visitors should expect to pay around £6–£8 for a full pint, depending on the brewery and beer style. Smaller measures are available at many venues, making it easier to sample different beers while keeping costs manageable.
Ultimately, the appeal of the Bermondsey Beer Mile lies in its combination of independent brewing, industrial surroundings and relaxed social atmosphere. It offers an opportunity to discover some of London’s most interesting breweries while exploring an area that has developed its own identity around craft beer. For anyone interested in beer, independent businesses or simply experiencing a different side of London, it is well worth a visit.
Pedro’s Wine Bar
Pedro’s Wine Bar is an independent Portuguese wine bar and tapas restaurant situated at 128 Druid Street, SE1, right in the heart of Bermondsey’s famous Beer Mile.
It’s a slightly different proposition from the breweries and craft beer taprooms that surround it. Rather than focusing on IPAs and craft ales, Pedro’s brings a little taste of Portugal to Bermondsey, specialising in Portuguese wines, traditional small plates and a relaxed, sociable atmosphere.
The business originally developed from OPS Wines, a Portuguese wine importer, and that background is central to its identity. The wine selection is particularly interesting, with bottles sourced directly from smaller Portuguese producers. Staff are knowledgeable and happy to guide customers through the selection, making it a good place to discover wines that you might not ordinarily encounter in British pubs and restaurants.
The venue occupies a converted railway arch, giving it the industrial character that Bermondsey is known for. Inside, you’ll find exposed brickwork, rustic furnishings, a contemporary granite-topped bar and an attractive mezzanine level overlooking the main space.
Despite the industrial surroundings, it’s quite intimate and cosy. There’s also an outdoor garden/terrace, which makes it particularly appealing during the warmer months.
It’s somewhere that feels more suited to settling in for an evening than simply grabbing a quick drink.
Food and drink
Food is centred around Portuguese petiscos (small sharing plates), with a selection of traditional dishes and Mediterranean influences. Expect things such as grilled octopus, flaming chouriço, salt cod fritters, prawns, Portuguese stews and charcuterie boards.
Desserts are worth mentioning too, particularly the pastel de nata and chocolate and olive oil mousse.
The real attraction, however, is the wine. Pedro’s offers an opportunity to explore Portuguese varieties, from fresh vinho verde and lighter whites through to fuller-bodied reds from regions such as the Douro.
What makes it stand out?
One of Pedro’s biggest strengths is that it offers something a little different from the traditional Bermondsey Beer Mile experience. It’s a wine-led destination in an area largely associated with independent breweries and craft beer.
It’s particularly well suited to couples, smaller groups and people looking for somewhere to enjoy good wine alongside interesting food. It also offers private hire for larger gatherings, celebrations and events.
