LBA Hosts Luxembourg Brewers at Fuller’s Griffin Brewery and Blackhorse Beer Mile
On Friday, 24th January, the London Brewers Alliance had the pleasure of hosting a group of brewers from Luxembourg, showing them some of the best that London’s beer scene has to offer.
The day kicked off with a tour of Fuller’s Griffin Brewery, guided by none other than Guy Stewart, Fuller’s head brewer, and ably assisted by a former Brewing Director (and LBA Hon. President) John Keeling. One of London's oldest and most iconic breweries, Fuller's is a place where tradition meets innovation, and Guy led a fascinating tour that highlighted just how deeply embedded Fuller’s is in the fabric of British brewing.
Guy walked the group through the brewery’s brewing process, sharing stories about the methods that have made Fuller’s a beloved name for generations. From the malt rooms to the fermentation tanks, the Luxembourg brewers got a firsthand look at how Fuller’s maintains its quality and consistency, and how they’re still pushing the envelope with new brewing techniques.
One of the standout aspects was Fuller’s commitment to using the finest ingredients and prioritising sustainability in their operations. There was, of course, plenty of discussion around their cask beer production, an area where Fuller’s outpaced the industry, reporting growth in the previous year.
For the Luxembourg brewers, it was a great chance to learn from one of the biggest names in the business, while also seeing how tradition and innovation can exist side-by-side in today’s brewing world.
The Blackhorse Beer Mile
After taking in the impressive sights and sounds of Fuller’s Griffin Brewery, the group headed over to Walthamstow to explore the Blackhorse Beer Mile, home to a collection of independent breweries that’s becoming a real hub for London’s craft beer scene. The breweries on the mile include Signature Brew, Pretty Decent Beer Co., and Exale Brewing, all of which are part of the LBA family.
First up was Signature Brew, where the group got a taste of how music and beer collide. Signature Brew has built a reputation for collaborating with bands to create unique brews that are perfect for any music lover. From there, they headed to Pretty Decent Beer Co., where experimentation and a sense of fun are at the heart of everything they brew. The day wrapped up at Exale Brewing, where the focus is firmly on bold and innovative beers that push the boundaries of what’s possible in brewing.
At each stop, the Luxembourg brewers got a glimpse of the variety, creativity, and energy that London’s craft beer scene is known for. It was a fantastic way to show just how diverse the brewing world is in the city.
A Day of Learning and Networking
This trip was a perfect example of how the LBA brings together brewers from different parts of the world to learn, share, and connect. For the Luxembourg brewers, it was a chance to explore some of London’s most exciting breweries, while also learning a thing or two from the experts. For the LBA and those board members who attended, it was an opportunity to showcase the innovation, hard work, and passion that drive the London’s craft beer scene.
It was a great day - full of great beer, inspiring conversations - despite some small language barriers, and the kind of collaboration that helps the brewing industry continue to thrive. Whether it was talking shop at Fuller’s or enjoying a pint on the Blackhorse Beer Mile, everyone walked away with a better understanding of the incredible brewing culture here in London, and the connections that help us all grow.
The LBA would like to say a huge thanks to Fuller's and Guy Steward for hosting the tour, and to Mathias Lentz and the team from Luxembourg for joining us for the day. We look forward to the chance of a return trip in the near future.
