Hackney has a working brewery you can actually see. This 1.5-hour Five Points Brewery & Taproom tour puts you in the middle of a live craft operation, then tops it off with a proper flight of four beers. I like that it is hands-on and practical, with a guided look at the brewhouse and packaging areas, not just a polite walk-by.

Two things I really like are the fresh-from-the-tank tastings (served as 1/3 pint pours) and the fact that you learn the why behind brewing as you sip. You also get the kind of beer-storytelling that turns London beer history from trivia into something you remember on the way home.

One possible drawback: you should treat the tasting like a tasting. The venue can refuse service if you show up intoxicated or behave antisocially, so if your plan is a heavy drinking session, this tour may not be the right fit.

Key highlights I’d circle before you book

• See a working brewhouse in Hackney and watch real brewery operations up close
• Taste four Five Points beers with 1/3 pint pours served fresh from the tank
• Stand on a mezzanine terrace overlooking the brewery while the tasting happens
• Hear beer-history stories and brewing facts from your guide while you sample
• Get value-add discounts: 10% off your first taproom round and 10% off food after the tour

Entering the Five Points Taproom in Hackney’s real beer neighborhood

This tour starts in the Five Points Taproom at their Hackney location. When you arrive, you check in at the main bar, and if you are early you can grab a pint while you wait. That small detail matters, because it keeps the pre-tour time relaxed instead of turning it into an awkward queue.

The whole vibe here is built around a working brewery. You are not just visiting a museum-style set. The tour is designed to show you what an independent brewery looks like day-to-day, from the brewing areas to the packaging lines your guide points out. If you care about how beer is made, that’s exactly the angle you want.

For footwear, keep it simple: no sandals or flip flops, and open-toed shoes aren’t allowed. Wear closed-toe shoes you can comfortably stand in. It sounds fussy until you realize most of the time is spent inside and moving around a working space.

What the 1.5-hour flow feels like once the tour begins

The full experience runs about 1.5 hours. That is a sweet spot for a brewery tour in London: long enough to learn what’s happening, short enough that you are not stuck on a full half-day commitment.

Once the group gathers, your guide leads you into the brewer’s world. Expect a guided route that takes you through the brewhouse and also past the packaging lines. The guide explains what goes into making craft beer and walks you through what you are seeing in plain language.

Then comes the part you came for: the tasting. You’ll sit on a mezzanine beer terrace overlooking the brewery. It is a great setup because you can glance below while you sip, so the tasting feels connected to the process you just saw.

The brewhouse and packaging lines: where the tour becomes real

The heart of the tour is seeing the craft process up close. Your guide walks you through the brewhouse area, explaining the steps involved in brewing and pointing out what’s happening in the equipment you can actually see. If you have only ever thought of beer as a bottle you buy, this is where it clicks into something tangible.

You also get a look at the packaging lines. That piece is often missing from casual tastings, but it matters because it shows how the brewery turns batches into the beers you eventually drink. It’s also a quick reminder that independent breweries aren’t just brewing. They are managing production, consistency, and getting beer out efficiently.

From the reviews, guides like Bex have a knack for making this feel fun instead of lecture-y. The best moment is when the explanation lands while you are already holding your interest, so you start noticing details instead of counting minutes.

The tasting: four beers, 1/3 pint pours, fresh from the tank

After the behind-the-scenes look, you move into the tasting portion. You’ll taste at least four different Five Points beers, served in 1/3 pint measures. The pours are fresh from the tank, which is the difference between tasting something that tastes like a draft beer today versus something that has been sitting around.

Why this is a smart format for you:

• A 1/3 pint pour keeps the tasting balanced. You get enough beer to judge flavor, not just a sip-size tease.
• Four beers in one sitting is ideal for comparing styles without overwhelming your palate.
• Sitting on the mezzanine terrace means you get a view while you taste, so the experience has atmosphere, not just samples.

To make the most of it, slow down for the first two beers. Let your brain adjust to hop aroma, malt character, and anything more unique the beers may be expressing. By beer three and four, you usually start noticing patterns across the flight. That’s when it stops feeling like drinking and turns into learning.

You do not need to be a beer expert. Your guide explains what you’re tasting as you go. And when the portions are not stingy, you can actually make a call on which beers you want again in the taproom after.

London beer history, explained while you sip

A big part of this tour is the storytelling. Along with the brewing basics, your guide shares wild stories and hilarious facts connected to London’s beer history. It’s not presented like a textbook. It is told in a way that connects to why beer culture developed where it did.

You’ll also hear plenty of science-flavored brewing facts. The key is that they are meant to support what you’re tasting, not replace it. That is why the timing works. You learn, you see, you taste. Then the history bits feel more grounded because you are already thinking like a brewer, even for a short moment.

This is also where your guide personality matters. Reviews highlight guides who are fun and share real knowledge without making it stiff. If you like tours that feel like a chat with someone who genuinely enjoys their topic, this is that kind of brewery outing.

After the tour: taproom time with 10% off

When the tour part ends, guests are welcome to enjoy the taproom afterward. That’s useful because it gives you flexibility. If you loved one beer style in your flight, you can order more without rushing out.

Here’s the value kicker: tour attendees get 10% off:

• a round of drinks from the taproom bar (for their first round after the tour)
• the food menu

Even if you only plan to stay an hour, that discount can turn this from a standalone activity into a meal-and-beer plan. It is especially handy in London, where a normal pint can feel like it costs as much as your transit card.

Price and value: is $26.94 a fair deal?

At $26.94 per person, you are buying three things at once: a guided tour, a tasting flight of four beers (with specific pour sizes), and on-site discounts. For London craft beer, that combo is usually what makes the price feel reasonable.

Why it feels like value for the time:

• You get 1.5 hours of guided attention, not a quick sampler.
• The tasting is four beers, served as 1/3 pint measures, fresh from the tank.
• You also leave with 10% off drinks and 10% off food, which adds up if you stick around.

If you are the type who would otherwise pay separately for a taproom session and a tour elsewhere, this format can be efficient. If you are only interested in one beer and don’t care about brewery process or stories, then it may feel slightly pricier than a casual pint plus a walk around. But for craft beer fans and curious drinkers, it’s a straightforward deal.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This tour is a great match if you:

• like craft beer and want to taste multiple beers in one go
• enjoy behind-the-scenes looks at how things are made
• want something small and focused, not a huge sightseeing bus day
• appreciate guides who can mix brewing basics with entertaining stories

It may be less ideal if:

• you want a big landmark sightseeing experience (this is a brewery tour first)
• you’re hoping for a kid-friendly activity (it is not suitable for children under 18)
• you want to bring a group with mixed interests where only a couple people care about beer (you’ll have more fun if the group is aligned)

Also note that pets aren’t allowed, so plan accordingly if you’re traveling with animals.

Small rules to know before you go

These are the practical bits that can save you from a frustrating moment at check-in:

• Bring passport or an ID card (a copy is accepted)
• Wear closed-toe shoes; sandals, flip flops, and open-toed shoes aren’t allowed
• No pets
• Don’t show up intoxicated; the provider may refuse service if someone is intoxicated or acting antisocially

It is a normal brewery environment with real operations. You’ll be moving around and spending time indoors, so dressing comfortably and respectfully helps everyone.

On the positive side, the tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, so you should feel good about bringing your accessibility needs to the front rather than guessing.

Should you book the London Five Points craft brewery tour?

Yes, I’d book it if you want a smart, beer-focused experience that doesn’t waste your time. It has the core ingredients that make a brewery tour worth your money: a real working brewery in Hackney, a guided look at the brewhouse and packaging lines, and a proper four-beer tasting with 1/3 pint pours served fresh from the tank.

It also has a nice practical payoff: the 10% off discounts for drinks and food after the tour. That turns the tasting into an actual afternoon plan, not just a short activity.

One caution: go into it expecting craft tasting and brewing stories, not a long party. If you want a laid-back, learn-while-you-sip London moment, this one fits.

If you tell me what kinds of beers you like (hoppy IPA style, malty lagers, darker ales, anything in between), I can help you decide whether this tasting flight is likely to match your taste—and how to pace your taproom follow-up.

FAQ

How long is the brewery tour?

The experience lasts about 1.5 hours.

Where do I check in when I arrive?

Check in at the main bar at the Five Points Taproom. If you arrive early, you can grab a pint while you wait.

How many beers are included in the tasting?

You’ll taste at least four different beers as part of the flight.

What size are the beer tastings?

Each tasting pour is served as a 1/3 pint measure.

Is there time to stay in the taproom after the tour?

Yes. After the tour, guests are welcome to enjoy themselves in the taproom.

Do I get any discounts after the tour?

Yes. Tour attendees get 10% off their first round of drinks at the taproom bar and 10% off the food menu.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

What ID do I need to bring?

Bring a passport or ID card. A copy is accepted.

Is the tour suitable for children and are pets allowed?

The tour is not suitable for children under 18, and pets are not allowed.

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