The Beer Tourist

For beer tourists it is one of those compulsory pit stops in London. The Pitfield Beer Shop is not only one of London's premier beer shops, it also houses a working microbrewery.

Conveniently located just a stone's throw from Old Street tube station in the up-and-coming Hoxton district, the beer shop stocks around 300 beers, mostly British, but also a sizeable Belgian selection.

The day I stopped by they were brewing the Eco Warrier. The brewing takes place in a tiny room next to the shop (behind the closed red gates). I added a bottle of Pitfield Christmas Ale- the label (which was stuck on behind the counter while I was paying) announces that "it's got cinnamon and ginger in it . It's organic and it's vegan." So you can enjoy your Christmas Ale, knowing you have been good this year, too. It certainly gives a good feeling making a pit stop in Pitfield Street.