Camden’s beer tour game has a strong contender. The 3 Locks Guided Tasting and Brewery Tour is interesting because you’re not just sampling from a bar menu—you’re walking through the brewing process and drinking beers straight from the brewhouse setup.

Two things I really like: the amount of beer included for the money, and the way the guide keeps things fun while also explaining what you’re tasting. One possible drawback to keep in mind: it’s not suitable for kids under 18, and open-toed shoes aren’t allowed.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel During the Tour

• Camden Market’s first ever brewery, right in the middle of the neighborhood
• Beer straight from the tank, not just a glass poured from a tap
• Guided tasting of 6 beers, with structured guidance as you go
• More beer included than you’ll usually get on similar tours
• A 10% taproom discount on beers and merch after the tour

Why 3 Locks in Camden Market Feels Different

If you’re doing a brewery tour around London, you’ll quickly notice something: most of them feel like you’re standing near equipment and tasting a few pours. Here, it feels more like a proper beer session with a tour attached. You start with a welcome beer, then move into a guided tasting of 6 beers, and you keep getting additional drinks as the tour progresses.

The Camden Market angle adds extra value. Brewing is happening in a place you can also explore before or after. So the tour isn’t a dead end. It’s one strong block of time in a lively area where you can keep the evening going with zero extra planning.

And yes, beer straight from the tank is the headline. It’s the kind of detail that makes the whole tour feel specific to 3 Locks, not just another “cheers, next beer” experience.

What You Pay (and Why It’s Good Value)

The tour price is listed at £30, which is about $33 per person. That matters because brewery tours often land in the same general range—then you realize you’re paying for a polished talk and only a few samples.

This one is priced like a real beer experience:

• You get a welcome beer
• You get a guided tasting with 6 beers
• You also get additional beer during the brewhouse portion
• Plus the signature beer straight from the tank
• And an end-of-tour beer to finish you off

If your priority is maximum drinking-per-hour with clear guidance, this is built for that. It also helps that the highlight claims more beer included than other breweries. I read that as a promise of generous pours, not just a marketing line—and the reviews back up that sense of abundance.

You also get a 10% discount in the taproom on beers and merch at the end. That’s not a small perk if you’re the type to grab a final pint or take something home.

Check In With the Bar Team and Get Started

Your experience begins with a simple check-in with the bar team. That’s helpful because you’re not trying to find some hidden office or guess where the group forms. You walk in, confirm you’re on the tour, and get pulled into the flow quickly.

From there, the tone is set. The guides mentioned in reviews—Mick and Shay come up often—are described as engaging and funny, with expert input and an easy rhythm. That matters because beer tours can go two ways: either you feel like you’re attending a lecture, or you feel like you’re just being handed drinks. This one aims for the sweet spot: explanation plus humor plus a relaxed pace.

Plan to wear something that fits the setting. Open-toed shoes aren’t allowed, so skip sandals and keep it practical.

The Core Moment: Six-Beer Guided Tasting

The heart of the tour is the guided tasting of 6 beers. This isn’t just about trying variety. It’s about learning how to taste and what differences actually mean, beer-to-beer.

What you’ll get during the tasting:

• You’ll be guided as you move through each beer
• You’ll get enough context to notice differences in flavor and style
• You’ll have the structure to keep your notes in your head (or maybe on your phone)

The guide style seems to make a difference. Reviews mention witty remarks and expert guidance, which tells me the explanations aren’t dry. It also suggests you’re encouraged to ask questions or react to what you taste. That’s where a tasting becomes more fun: you’re not just swallowing. You’re comparing.

If you’re new to craft beer, this format is a good entry point because six beers gives you enough range to feel “wow, there’s more than lager vs. IPA.” If you already know your way around, six beers still works because it’s focused and guided, not a random sampler tray.

Beer in the Brewhouse: Where the Story Gets Real

After the tasting portion, you’ll drink in the brewhouse area. This is a key upgrade compared with tours that stay entirely in a taproom.

Why it helps: it changes the feeling of the tasting. Instead of thinking about beer only as something you buy and drink, you start connecting flavors to the environment where beer is made. Even if you’re not a brewing nerd, standing in the brewing space makes everything feel more direct.

You’ll also have a chance to take in the process as you go—so the guided beers don’t float as abstract facts. They land in a real place.

If you care about how brewing choices affect what ends up in the glass, this segment is where that curiosity gets rewarded.

The Signature Move: Drinking Beer Straight From the Tank

Let’s talk about the tank beer. It’s included, and it’s specifically described as beer straight out of the tank.

This is the part that most people remember because it’s not something you can replicate easily elsewhere. There’s something psychologically different about drinking a beer that’s drawn from the tank rather than poured from a standard serving line. You’re tasting freshness and immediacy in a way that feels hands-on.

How to get the most out of it:

• Slow down. Don’t treat it like a quick shot.
• Pay attention to how the flavor hits at first sip, then what changes after a few seconds.
• Use the earlier six-beer tasting as your reference point.

The tour’s structure sets you up for this. Since you’ve already been tasting and comparing, the tank beer becomes more than a gimmick. It becomes another data point in your brewing “map.”

Camden Market Energy, With a Brewing Focus

The tour is connected to Camden Market, and that’s a practical advantage. Camden Market is the kind of place where you can fill time easily, but you often need a reason to slow down and do one real activity.

Having a brewery tour here gives you that reason. You get a guided beer experience tied to a location that’s already full of things to see. It’s also mentioned as Camden Market’s first ever brewery, which adds a fun local angle: this isn’t just a brewery transported into a neighborhood—it’s part of the market’s identity.

Best way to use this: schedule your tour at a time when you’ll still have energy afterward. After the final beer, you’ll likely feel like staying in the area, and the taproom discount makes it tempting to keep the party going (taste responsibly, of course).

The Guides: Mick and Shay Keep It Light, Not Fluffy

A lot of tours rise or fall on the guide. Here, the reviews are consistent on style: Mick and Shay show up as names, and the comments point to a blend of humor and real brewing insight.

What I’d take from that as a decision tool:

• If you like your beer explanations to come with jokes and a relaxed tone, you’ll probably enjoy this.
• If you want facts delivered in a way that doesn’t feel like school, the guidance style sounds like it fits.
• If you’re the type who asks questions, a guide who’s described as witty and approachable is a good sign.

The tour time is about 1.5 hours, so the pacing matters. These guides seem to know how to keep things moving while still making you feel like you’re learning instead of just consuming.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour is a strong fit if:

• You love beer tasting and want a clear structure
• You want more than a quick sip or two
• You like guided learning but don’t want a stiff lecture
• You’re in Camden Market anyway and want one high-value activity

It’s not a fit if:

• You’re bringing anyone under 18 (it’s not suitable for children under 18)
• You’re expecting a family-friendly daytime walk
• You hate the idea of being served multiple beers over the course of a short tour window

Also note the open-toed shoes rule. That’s easy to plan for, but it’s worth respecting so you don’t show up and get turned away.

Practical Timing and What to Do Afterward

The tour runs about 1.5 hours, which is ideal for visitors who want something substantial without eating an entire afternoon. Check availability for start times, then pick one that matches your day.

After the tour, you get a 10% discount in the taproom on beers and merch. That’s the perfect moment to:

• Ask follow-up questions you didn’t get time for
• Try another beer if you’re still curious
• Pick up merch if you want a souvenir that’s actually connected to the place

If you’re planning dinner nearby, you’ll want to pace yourself. The tour is built around multiple beer servings, so eat first or plan for a lighter meal after.

Should You Book the 3 Locks Guided Tasting and Brewery Tour?

I’d book it if your goal is simple: a guided beer experience in Camden Market where you get lots of beer, real direction on what you’re tasting, and a truly memorable moment with beer straight from the tank.

Skip it if you want something kid-friendly, or if you dislike tours that include multiple pours in a tight time window. Also skip it if you’re hoping for purely visual “look at the equipment” time. This tour is built around tasting, drinking, and learning through that process.

Given the strong rating (4.9 from 16 reviews) and the repeated praise for generous beer, humor, and knowledgeable guidance from guides like Mick and Shay, this is one of those experiences where you’re paying for the core activity—not just the setting.

If you love beer culture and you’ll be in Camden anyway, it’s a smart, efficient booking.

FAQ

How long is the 3 Locks Brewing Company guided tasting and brewery tour?

It lasts about 1.5 hours.

What is included in the ticket price?

Your ticket includes a welcome beer, a guided tasting of 6 beers, a beer in the brewhouse, beer straight out of the tank, and a final beer to end the tour. You also get a 10% discount in the taproom on beers and merch.

Is the tour suitable for children?

No. It is not suitable for children under 18.

What should I wear?

Open-toed shoes aren’t allowed.

Is the tour guided in English?

Yes. The live tour guide speaks English.

Can I cancel if my plans change?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.