Is there an option to skip the walk and go straight for the beer? Richard

'tis the SWC, you can do what you like, when you like! but we'll be there ca. 16.00 hours...

for reasons which will become apparent i won't be able to do any full day walks for a while but may be up for some or all of this just to clarify did you mean you'd be at the mayflower for 1600 or the start of the beer mile?

I think Thomas is referring to the time that we should arrive at the first stop on the Beer Mile – Fourpure Brewery (though it may be a bit later than 4 pm).

If you would like to join us anywhere along the way, including those wishing to join us after work, I am happy to send you my mobile number so that you can call and check where we are.

Please send an email to john c powell AT Hotmail DOT com and I will send you my number. Additionally, if you are on WhatsApp, please send through your mobile number and I’ll set up a WhatsApp group to which I’ll endeavour to send out updates each time we move from one brewery to the next.

Post now updated with a link to a map of the Beer Mile. As clear from that map: anyone wanting to join for just the 'socialising' part of the walk (the drinking), pls make your way to Bermondsey South station and from there to Fourpure Brewery as per the map.

thanks thomas and john i've already got your number john. i may go to canada water and try to intercept you around the mayflower, if i don' make it to the start.

(Unofficial SWC Representative for Pimlico & Belgravia, part time)

A map tracing a suggested route for the SWC Bermondsey Beer Mile stroll, from the Southwark Park exit to the Southwark Brewing Company, can be found here. (The map seems to work well in Google Maps on my Android phone.)

The route passes 9 breweries / brewery taps which will be open on Friday (and are listed in the directions), plus a distibutor, a bottle shop, a cidery & various other establishments (which are not listed due to constraints of space). From Southwark Park to Southwark Brewing Co it is a total staggering distance of some 2.4 miles (3.9 km)!

The first brewery Four Pure Brewing Company opens at midday, but the next few don't open until 5pm. The final destination, Southwark Brewing Co, closes at 10pm. Those needing something substantial to eat en route may be interested in Bone Daddies which is close to UBrew (the sixth brewery tap we get to) on the Old Jamaica Business Estate.

Happy staggering!

5 off the train at Greenwich, a further 6 met at Cutty Sark DLR, and 5 stragglers who must have been on the next train/DLR, as they caught up with us pretty quickly. So 16 on the walk to Rotherhithe, about 12 of which had lunch at The Mayflower, the rest went straight to the Xmas market 2 mins away. A shoulder injured walker joined us at the pub, 2 others joined up at the Xmas market, and a further 3 met the Beer Mile walkers (just more than half of the original 16 plus teh joiners) at one of the first two breweries. So, 22 walked in total, at least some substantial part of the posted route, in dank and grey weather.
The food at The Mayflower was to everyone's happiness, as were the various food and drink offerings at the Scandi Xmas market. Lots of other wares on offer there, if you haven't been: it's on 'til Sunday.

We crossed Sothwark Park and made our way through South Bermondsey, but finding the Fourpure Brewery involved going deeper into a dark industrial estate than one would have liked to, but the brewery arches themselves are a sight to behold. And warm! And well frequented. And with about 20 different (keg) beers on sale, in thirds of a pint. And with some food options. We stayed there for quite a while, then moved on to Partizan Brewery, which in contrast was near empty and cold. And on the crowd went to the next site. They're probably still going...

13 plus a latecomer who never caught up so 14 on this warm and slightly cloudy evening. The group managed to stay together as it passed the hustle and bustle of the footpaths along the pool of London and shad Thames gradually leaving the madding crowds behind as they travelled east towards Rotherhithe. An enormous ocean going yacht called the "Aviva" was spotted moored and apparently belonging to Joe Lewis (who also owns Spurs).
Looking back towards the City, a new pointy building was also spotted, newly arisen and just to the right of the Walkie Talkie.
The pacemakers pressed on but held their speed to sub light values so those without seven league boots (moi) could keep up. Some took light liquid refreshment at The Angel and viewed the Moated Manor House opposite. No sign of the latecomer so the group continued passing "The Mayflower" at Rotherhithe and on to Greenwich. Keen path watchers spotted the Thames path appeared to go through the lobby of a hotel more on this later I'm sure.
On the final approach to the Cutty Sark a refreshing breeze revived spirits and a red evening sun sunk towards the City of London Skyline. Here the group split some visiting The Sail Loft and others heading for The Gate Clock (Wetherspoons) and the Tai Won Mein Noodle bar.
All in all, a great evening walk and stress buster.

12 on this walk with the weather sunny and mild. Four of us myself included just missed the main group who had set off promptly from North Greenwich tube station. Whilst I set off the short distance to the Thames path to start the circuit around the 02 with the Thames to my right the three others set off on a radical alternative route across the peninsula where heroically two of them achieved SWC immortality by managing to cross the Blackwall Tunnel Approach road. One sadly could not make it across and retraced her steps to head home. (These sarf Landoners eh!).
We eventually all met up near Greenwich (minus one) and walked on to the pub where the walks inspector was already installed and saving our pre booked table. (He and a companion had also taken a less fraught "peninsula route" claiming the lack of clear signage to the Thames path at the station had left him a bit confused! as to the correct direction. Just head towards the cable cars I say after all they are crossing the Thames......)
The pub was superb. I particularly enjoyed a fruit crumble one of the best I have tasted. After a relaxed lunch we ambled the remaining 3km to the Millenium Bridge where we went our separate ways. (Oh did I mention the walk was actually about 4km longer than specified because we did not factor in the distance from the tube station to Greenwich Cutty Sark!)
A great and for some an adventurous day out with SWC regulars and this walk or a shorter version of it would make a lovely evening stroll. Finally thanks to Mike for posting it and booking the table. Happy Xmas all.