Last Updated: 15 February 2026
Key Takeaways
- Best for Variety: Port Street Beer House (Manchester) and Left Handed Giant (Bristol).
- Best for Views: The Old Brewery (Greenwich) and Left Handed Giant.
- Best for Food: BrewDog (Southampton) and The Queen of Bradgate (Leicester).
- Trip Idea: A UK road trip is the best way to tick these off your bucket list.
Updated: February 2026.
If you love craft beer as much as me, then you might be intrigued to know where I think the best craft beer pubs in the UK are hiding.
I have done the research and carefully selected my top pubs for whatever part of the country you are in. For a fun trip idea, why not hire a car or buy a cheap used car to create a road trip around the UK, visiting these incredible taprooms on your way? Obviously, you will need to stay a couple of nights or have a designated driver to do this!
Take a look at my list below to get you started on your journey to find the best craft beer selection in the country.
1. Brighton Rocks (Kemptown, Brighton)
Based in Kemptown, Brighton, this easygoing bar has a small but perfectly formed selection of craft and real ale.
It is the best pub for craft beer variety if you want to escape the busy seafront. Beers include local favourites like Big Hug, Good Things, Bedlam, and Unbarred Conqueror Stout from Hepworth, alongside international hits like Krombacher and Kona. While in Brighton, you could also visit a few other pubs, including The Craft Beer Co, The Prince Albert or The Black Dove.
2. BrewDog (Southampton)
Selling beers and pizza, what more could you want?
Set over two stories, this 21-tap pub has plenty of craft beers for you to try. They regularly host the annual Collabfest, which introduces many new beers from local breweries to their range. It is a reliable stop on the south coast where you know the quality will be consistent.
3. Left Handed Giant Brewpub (Bristol)
Editor’s Note: This replaces Small Bar, which has now sadly closed.
If you are looking for the absolute best craft beer pubs in the UK, this is a heavy hitter. Run by the same team behind the legendary Small Bar, Left Handed Giant takes it to the next level.
It is a stunning multi-floor taproom built directly inside the brewery, overlooking the river. You can drink the freshest possible beer while watching the brewers work below. If you are feeling stuck for choice, just ask a member of staff; they have the knowledge to choose a beer that suits you best.
4. The Old Brewery (Greenwich, London)
This has to be one of the coolest looking pubs you will visit, based in Greenwich, London.
Head there for a spot of lunch or dinner and enjoy a nice craft beer in one of the best beer gardens in South East London. It sits right in the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College, making it the perfect spot to combine sightseeing with a pint.
5. The Queen of Bradgate (Leicester)
This rustic pub is excellent as it has its own cinema house where you can bring your craft beer in while you watch the film.
You can choose from a range of beers from all over the world, including Brooklyn, East India Pale Ale, or a Yakima Red. They also sell fantastic food and have live music events, making it a complete night out in Leicester.
6. Port Street Beer House (Manchester)
If you love quiz nights and trying new craft beers from around the world, then this is the pub for you.
Many locals will tell you this is where to find the best craft beer in UK pubs. They hold regular ‘Tap Takeover’ events where breweries from different regions come and sell their beers. It is a haven for beer geeks and casual drinkers alike.
7. The Warehouse (Huddersfield)
Beers, burgers and sport, what more could you ask for?
Not only do they have a great craft beer selection, they also have a pool table, live music and a big screen to show sports games on. They also have a tasty menu to enjoy with your beer. It is a great unpretentious spot to finish your tour.
FAQ: UK Craft Beer Pubs
What is the best pub for craft beer variety? Port Street Beer House in Manchester is widely considered one of the best spots for variety, often hosting rare tap takeovers and showcasing independent breweries.
Are there UK pub chains with the best craft beer selection? Yes. BrewDog is the most famous, but The Craft Beer Co. (with locations in London and Brighton) is another excellent chain that focuses purely on high-quality cask and keg ale.
Where to find the best craft beer in UK pubs? Bristol (Left Handed Giant) and Manchester (Port Street) are two of the best cities outside of London for finding a high concentration of top-tier craft beer pubs.
For further tips on where to go for the best breweries check out The Beer Lover’s Travel Bucket List.
See you all in the next post! Or check out my latest post here.
