Spending the Afternoon Cruising with London Craft Beer

I may have just won the best girlfriend award!

The Mr is a big craft beer fanatic, me not so much. Well that’s what I thought until I spent the afternoon cruising down the River Thames, sipping on some of the best craft beers currently on the market. I am officially converted and it’s all thanks to The London Craft Beer Cruise!

I had booked these tickets a few months in advance for a very early birthday present for the Mr. Boats, beer, the weekend it was the perfect formula for a good time. We headed to the South Bank in the most glorious weather, I was almost wearing too many layers and waited to board The Pride of London for the cruises maiden voyage.

Jeans – ASOS|Leotard – Topshop (similar)|Shirt – Ralph Lauren|Cardigan – Brandy Melville (similar)|Boots – New Look (similar)|Bag – Accessorize (similar)|Glasses – Max&Co c/o Specsavers (similar)

Once on board we were handed our tasting glass, and an extensive list of the beers available throughout the day and headed to the bar for our first taster. Now when I say taster I don’t mean a measly sip, I’m talking 350ml (depending on the percentage) of delicious hoppy goodness. Now if like me you don’t think you’re a beer fan there is no harm in giving it a go because you might be pleasantly surprised – however for the people shaking their head in disbelief whilst reading this, there is of course a large range of great spirits and mixers or cider if you would prefer.

We found some seats, avoiding the small outdoor area which was already crowded, opting for a window seat on the top deck and the Mr talked me through what he thought I would like, the man could talk about beer for a living – and he sort of does. The ticket includes 6 beers and then afterwards it’s pay as you go, however when they are only charging £2.50 per drink there was no grumbling! Before we knew it everyone was boarded and the cruise began, let’s just say I could get used to seeing London from the water.

There were so many beers to choose from but I navigated my way through them with the help of the Mr, who was in his element. My two favourites were the Lemon Gose by Crate brewery and the Beavertown & Coloudwater collaboration, turns out I really like sour beers. Not only can you see the sights and discuss tasting notes but there are plenty of meet the brewers talks and food pairings going on throughout the cruise.

They even had what some people call a ‘dessert beer’, Double Perle, a coffee milk stout by Weird Beard, it’s like having a glass full of smooth coffee crema. The perfect beer to finish the cruise with especially in the late afternoon sunshine.

Have you ever seen a man so happy in a queue?

Sad to be leaving we disembarked, the Mr the happiest man alive and me with a new appreciation for craft beer. The next cruise is in June and I have a sneaky suspicion we may be on it! If you have a lover of craft beer in your life this isn’t to be missed.