Small-batch beer, made in plain sight.

This London experience takes you behind the scenes at the Five Points Brewery & Taproom in Hackney, where you can watch a working, independent brewer at work. You’ll learn how beer gets made, plus hear entertaining stories tied to London’s beer scene. I particularly like the fact that this isn’t a museum-style stop; it’s a live operation, and you get to see the process up close. I also like that the guide-led tasting is served fresh from the tank on a terrace with a view of the brewery. One possible drawback: it’s designed for adults, so if you’re looking for a family activity, this one won’t work since it’s not suitable for children under 18.

In the 1.5-hour format, you get just enough structure to feel guided without feeling rushed. The tour includes a look at the brewhouse and packaging lines, then you sit down for a flight of at least four different craft beers, served in one-third pint measures. The big upside is that you get both education and time to enjoy your beers in a relaxed setting. The main consideration is that you’ll need to be comfortable with a short, fairly focused experience (it’s not an all-afternoon pub crawl).

Key highlights worth your time

• Working brewery access to the brewhouse and packaging lines at Five Points
• Tasting flight of at least 4 beers, each served fresh from the tank
• Mezzanine terrace seating overlooking the brewery for a better beer moment
• Beer history storytelling with fun facts and London-focused context
• Guide-led explanations that tie the science of brewing to what you’re tasting

Entering Five Points Taproom in Hackney

Your tour starts in the taproom at Five Points in Hackney. Check in at the main bar when you arrive, and if you’re early, you can grab a pint while you wait. That small detail matters more than it sounds—show up a bit early and you’ll get settled, find the vibe, and not feel rushed.

Hackney is a smart choice for beer lovers. It’s lively, a little trend-forward, and it gives the tour a modern feel instead of the “tourist-only pub” atmosphere. The Five Points setting also helps you understand what you’re doing: you’re not just tasting beer in a bar. You’re learning from the people running the brewery that produces it.

Before you go, plan for practical rules. You’ll need a passport or ID card (a copy is accepted), and you’ll want closed-toe footwear—sandals and open-toed shoes aren’t allowed. Pets are also not permitted, and they can refuse service if you show up intoxicated or act antisocially. None of that is there to spoil your time; it’s there to keep the experience safe and comfortable for everyone in the working space.

The 90-minute flow: what happens during the tour

This is a guided experience in English, built to fit into about 1.5 hours. You’ll meet your beer expert in the taproom, then head into the brewery areas where the work actually happens.

Here’s the basic rhythm you can expect:

First, you’ll get a guided walk through the brewhouse. This is where explanations land best, because you can connect the steps of brewing to the equipment you’re seeing. You’ll hear what goes into making craft beer and why brewing choices affect flavor.

Then you’ll move through the packaging lines. Watching beer get prepped for distribution adds a useful layer most tastings skip. It turns beer from a product you buy into a process you can picture from start to finish.

Throughout the tour, the guide also shares the company’s background and stories tied to London’s beer scene. The tone matters: the goal isn’t dry lecture. The vibe is more like a friendly lesson from someone who really enjoys talking about beer, including the amusing side facts that make brewing stick in your head.

The reviews back up what I’d look for here: clear explanations and a guide who keeps things fun. One host named Bex comes up in the feedback as lovely, which fits the style you want for a group tour—warm, organized, and ready to answer questions.

Brewing basics you’ll actually taste

A lot of brewery tours tell you how beer is made, but you can still leave not sure what it changes in the glass. What makes this one more practical is that the tour ties the brewing process to the tasting you’ll do right after.

As you look at the brewhouse, you’re learning the ingredients and process behind craft beer. Even if you’re not a beer nerd, you’ll start noticing how brewing decisions show up as differences in body, bitterness, aroma, and balance. That’s the payoff: you walk out with a mental map, not just memories.

The guide also brings in London context, with stories and facts tied to beer in the British capital. You’ll hear the company history, plus entertaining points about beer culture and what makes the London scene distinct. This is the kind of storytelling that helps you connect with the place instead of just checking a box.

If you care about craft beer but don’t want a technical seminar, this strikes a good middle ground: you get enough science to understand what you’re tasting, without drowning in jargon.

The tasting on the mezzanine terrace (and why it matters)

The tasting portion is the heart of the experience. After the tour, you sit on a mezzanine beer terrace overlooking the brewery. That’s not a random decoration. Being able to see the facility while you sip makes the tasting feel grounded in real production, not just a sample flight at a counter.

You’ll taste at least four different Five Points beers, served as one-third pint measures, and the key detail is that they’re served fresh from the tank. Fresh-from-the-tank matters because beer can shift quickly once it’s been stored or handled—so the tasting is meant to show you what the brewery intends right now.

The portion size is another smart choice. One of the things people appreciate is that it isn’t stingy with the samples. You get enough liquid to actually compare styles, not just one sip and a nod. And since the pours are standardized, it’s easier to evaluate each beer without feeling like you’re constantly recalibrating portion sizes.

You’ll be seated while tasting, which keeps the experience relaxing. It also gives you a chance to ask questions as you go—if your guide offers explanations during the tour, this is where you can connect those explanations to the beer in your glass.

Discounts that make a second round smarter

After the tasting, you can enjoy yourself at the taproom. There’s a practical incentive waiting for you: tour attendees get 10% off their first round of drinks and 10% off the food menu.

This is where the value math gets interesting. The tour price is $26.94 per person. If you’re planning to have a couple of drinks anyway, that 10% discount can soften the cost of turning the tasting into a longer hangout. Even if you don’t eat, the discount is still a nice way to get a little extra out of the day.

Also, the timing works well. You’re not paying extra to “earn” more beer later. The discount is directly linked to the tour you just did, which makes the whole thing feel less like a standalone event and more like a guided start to your evening in the taproom.

What you should wear and bring (simple rules)

This tour has a few clear comfort and safety expectations, and following them makes everything smoother:

Bring a passport or ID card (a copy is accepted).

Wear closed-toe shoes—sandals and open-toed shoes aren’t allowed.

Leave pets at home.

And if you’re tempted to show up with a buzz already, skip that plan. The operator may refuse service if you’re intoxicated or acting in a way that disrupts others. It’s a small reminder that you’ll be moving through a working environment.

Who this Craft Brewery Tour is best for

This fits best if you want craft beer with structure. I’d recommend it for:

• People who like hands-on brewery experiences rather than only drinking in pubs
• Beer fans who want a quick education tied directly to flavor
• Visitors staying in or near East London who want a focused, 90-minute activity
• Anyone who prefers guided storytelling with humor and London beer context

It may not fit as well if you want a long, self-paced tasting marathon. This is intentionally timed. You’ll learn and sample, then you’ll head back out (with time to stay in the taproom afterward if you choose).

Since it’s not suitable for children under 18, it’s also best for adults and age-appropriate groups.

Is it worth $26.94 in London?

Let’s be honest: in London, craft beer experiences can get pricey. The value here comes from a few specific ingredients: a working brewery setting, a guided walk through the brewhouse and packaging, and a tasting flight of at least 4 beers served fresh from the tank.

You’re paying for more than the liquid. You’re paying for access and context—seeing real equipment, hearing how brewing decisions affect what you drink, and getting stories tied to London’s beer scene.

On top of that, the discounts (10% off your first round and 10% off food) give you an easy way to turn the tour into a better overall deal if you keep hanging around the taproom.

If that combination sounds like your idea of a good afternoon, the price feels fair for what you get: education + a proper tasting + a chance to relax afterward.

Should you book the Five Points brewery tour?

I’d book it if you want a solid Hackney craft brewery experience with a clear 90-minute plan, a tasting that’s built for comparison, and a guide who can connect the process to what’s in your glass. It’s especially worth it if you like the idea of sitting on a terrace overlooking the brewery while you sample fresh beers.

Skip it only if you’re chasing something longer or more specialized than a standard 1.5-hour brewery visit. This tour is designed to be fun, accessible, and practical—not an all-day beer program.

If you’re deciding between “just another tasting” and “a real working brewery visit,” this one leans decisively toward the visit.

FAQ

How long is the London craft brewery tour with tasting?

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours.

How many beers do you taste?

You taste at least 4 different craft beers as part of the tasting.

Where do I meet the tour group?

Check in at the main bar when you arrive at the Five Points Taproom.

What drinks and food discounts do I get after the tour?

Tour attendees receive 10% off their first round of drinks from the taproom bar and 10% off the food menu.

Is the tour guided, and what language is it in?

Yes, it includes a live tour guide, and the tour is in English.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it’s listed as wheelchair accessible.

Is it suitable for children?

No. It isn’t suitable for children under 18 years.

What do I need to bring?

Bring a passport or ID card (a copy is accepted).

What footwear is allowed?

Sandals, flip flops, and open-toed shoes are not allowed, so wear closed-toe shoes.