A brewery tour with real tanks is a rare treat. This one in Hackney takes you behind the scenes at the working Five Points Brewing Company and ends with a 4-beer tasting flight. I especially like how practical it feels, plus the guide stories that connect what you see to how beer actually got to where it is in London. Only consideration: it is not a huge, high-production show, so if you want spectacle, you may find it more hands-on than wow-factor.

I also like that the beer is served fresh from the tank, so the tasting feels tied to the process, not random samples. You sit on a mezzanine terrace overlooking the brewery, which makes the whole hour-and-a-bit feel more like you are in the workspace than in a lecture hall. The main drawback for some people is the pace and format, it is structured and adult-focused, and it is not for anyone under 18.

If you like craft beer, you will probably enjoy the way the tasting and brewery walkthrough stay connected the whole time. And if you are new to brewing, you should still be fine, because the tour is built to explain what goes into excellent craft beer in plain English, with a fun guide vibe.

Key things I’d mark on your mental map

• A working Hackney brewery, not a museum set-up
• At least 4 beers poured as 1/3 pint samples, served fresh from the tank
• Brewhouse and packaging lines shown up close
• A mezzanine beer terrace overlooking where the beer is made
• Beer history stories mixed into the science and the day-to-day work
• Real value after the tour, with 10% off your first round and 10% off food

Hackney beer culture, seen from the source

London has no shortage of beer stops, but this one has a different advantage: it is inside a working, independent brewery in Hackney. Instead of just tasting something and moving on, you get to see what the brewery actually does, then you taste beers that come from that same setup.

That matters because beer is not just a drink, it is a process. When you watch the brewing flow and packaging in action, you start to notice why certain flavors exist, and why small changes can matter. You do not need to be a beer nerd to get something out of it.

Also, the setting helps. You are not hiding in a back room somewhere. The tour finishes with tastings on a terrace overlooking the brewery, so you can make a mental link between the tanks, the tools, and the beer in your glass.

The start at the main bar, and why you should arrive a few minutes early

Your tour begins at the Five Points Taproom. Check in at the main bar when you arrive, and if you are early, you can grab a pint while you wait. That sounds small, but it helps your mood. You are not standing around looking lost, and you are already in the right place.

Because the experience lasts about 1.5 hours, timing is tight enough that it helps to be there when the group starts. The tour language is English, and you have a live guide, so it is not the kind of experience where you can show up 15 minutes late and still catch everything.

If you come straight from a busy day of walking around London, do one practical thing: wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes. They specifically do not allow sandals, flip flops, or open-toed shoes. A brewery floor can be practical but not always soft, so plan like you would for any busy, working facility.

What happens during the brewhouse walkthrough

After meeting in the Taproom, you are guided through the brewery process, including the brewhouse and the packaging lines. This is the part that turns tasting into understanding.

Even if you have never thought about brewing before, you should find the explanations easy to follow. The tour is designed to explain what goes into making excellent craft beer, and it pairs that with what you see in the working space. You get that behind-the-scenes feel, because you are actually looking at equipment used every day, not a staged demonstration.

What I like about this portion is the way it answers a simple question: where does the beer flavor come from? The guide talks through the science and the steps involved. And since the brewery is independent, the story has a personal, real-world angle. You get to see inside the workings of a thriving business while sipping beer at the end.

A consideration here: the tour is structured, so you should expect to follow along in a group. If you like open-ended, wander-at-your-own-pace experiences, this might feel a bit scheduled.

The “fresh from the tank” 4-beer tasting flight

This is the heart of the experience. After the brewhouse portion, you taste at least four different Five Points beers served in 1/3rd pint measures. They are fresh from the tank, and you sit on the mezzanine beer terrace overlooking the brewery.

Those details matter. “Fresh from the tank” usually means the tasting is tied closely to current production, which makes it more interesting than samples pulled from somewhere else earlier in the chain. And 1/3 pint is a good compromise. You get enough beer to compare styles and notice differences, without committing to full pints if you are trying multiple flavors.

You are also not stuck with a single track. A flight of different beers helps you understand how the brewery thinks. Even without a ton of background, you can pick up patterns: which beers feel lighter, which lean more aromatic, and which are more focused on malt or hop character.

One practical bonus: the tour does not feel stingy. The tasting portion is designed to give you a real sense of the lineup, not just tiny sips that disappear before you can place the flavor.

London beer stories that connect the past to what’s in your glass

During the tour, the guide mixes in stories and hilarious facts about London’s beer history. You also hear more about the company history and fascinating science behind brewing.

This matters because beer history in London is not just trivia. It explains why certain styles made sense in a city, how brewing culture grew, and why people got excited about the craft side in the first place. When you hear these stories while looking at equipment and process, the history stops being abstract.

If you are the type who likes context, you will appreciate how the stories land alongside the practical parts of brewing. If you are not a history person, you can still benefit because the guide uses the stories as a way to explain the science without turning it into a textbook.

One slight drawback to keep in mind: because the group tour blends process, science, and stories, the emphasis is more on making it understandable and fun than on going extremely technical for every single topic. If you want deep lab-level brewing detail, you might wish for more time per step.

Discounts after the tour, and how to turn it into a full evening

After the tour ends back at the meeting point, you are welcome to enjoy yourself at the taproom. Here is the value piece that I like: tour attendees get 10% off a round of drinks and 10% off the food menu.

So you can treat the tour as your entry ticket, then stay for a proper pint or a meal without feeling like you are paying full price right away. It is a small perk, but it can turn a good 1.5-hour experience into a longer hangout that still feels like you got your money’s worth.

If you want to maximize value, plan your schedule so you are not rushing off immediately. You will get more from the tour if you can sit down after and process what you tasted.

Price and value: is $26.94 fair for what you get?

The price is listed as $26.94 per person, for a 1.5-hour tour that includes the guide and a tasting of at least four beers. You also get two separate 10% discounts afterward.

Is that a bargain? In London, it is reasonably priced for a guided brewery visit tied to a tasting, especially since this is inside a working brewery in Hackney rather than a far-away tour that feels like a bus-stop stopover.

Here is how I judge value for this kind of thing:

• You get more than a single tasting. Four beers is enough to feel like an actual flight.
• You get the brewery walkthrough, including the brewhouse and packaging lines, which adds understanding.
• You get immediate post-tour savings, which helps if you plan to drink or eat anyway.

If you were only planning to have one drink, the tour might feel like a higher upfront cost. But if you like craft beer and you want at least one more round afterward, the discounts make the total evening cost feel more reasonable.

Who this London craft brewery tour is best for

This tour is ideal if you:

• Like craft beer and want a guided tasting, not just a random pint.
• Want to learn how brewing works in practical terms.
• Enjoy brewery stories and a bit of humor, especially about London’s beer past.
• Prefer a smaller, human-scale experience inside a real workplace.

It may not fit if you:

• Want a big flashy production or a museum-style walkthrough.
• Are traveling with anyone under 18, since it is not suitable for children under 18.
• Expect a self-guided tour where you can wander whenever you want.

Also, note the rules about behavior and service. They may refuse service if someone is intoxicated or displaying anti-social behavior. So come ready to taste, not to party.

Practical tips before you go (so you enjoy it more)

A few things will help you have a smoother time:

• Bring ID: a passport or ID card is required, and a copy is accepted.
• Wear closed-toe shoes. Sandals, flip flops, and open-toed shoes are not allowed.
• Leave pets at home, pets are not allowed.
• Expect English-language guiding.
• Plan to check availability for starting times, since the tour is offered at set times.

And one small mindset tip: treat the tasting like part of learning, not like an afterthought. If you pay attention to the beer as the guide talks about process, you will remember more, and you will taste better.

Should you book the Five Points London brewery tour?

I think this is a solid booking for anyone who wants a real brewery experience in London without turning it into a full day project. The working brewery access, the brewhouse plus packaging walkthrough, and the at least four beers served fresh from the tank make it feel like more than a simple tasting.

If you like that blend of science, humor, and beer history, you are in the right place. And the 10% discounts are a nice nudge to stay for a meal or another round, which helps the value add up.

Only book it with your expectations calibrated if you need a spectacle or if you want extremely technical brewing detail. This is practical, guided, and friendly, and that is exactly why it works.

FAQ

How long is the London Craft Brewery Tour with tasting of 4 beers?

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours.

What does the tour include?

It includes the tour, a guide, and a tasting of at least 4 beers. You also get 10% off a round of drinks and 10% off the food menu after the tour.

Where do I check in when I arrive?

You should check in at the main bar when you arrive.

What beers will I taste and how are they served?

You taste at least 4 different Five Points beers, served in 1/3rd pint measures fresh from the tank.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

Is this tour for children?

No, it is not suitable for children under 18.

What ID do I need to bring?

Bring a passport or ID card. A copy is accepted.

Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not allowed.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.