A rainy afternoon travelling through lost corners of London this September provided great inspiration in the form of an inaugural Draft House visit to the Redchurch Brewery, a brand new operation in a railway arch in Bethnal Green. The brewer, ex-property lawyer Gary Ward, developed an obsession with US craft beer. Soon he was brewing at home and coming under the messianic sway of Evin O'Riordain at the Kernel brewery in Bermondsey. Before long he persuaded some City mates to back him and Redchurch was born, with the first brew (Bethnal Pale Ale) being drunk for the first time in fashionable bierodromes as I write. Well, Gary is a very talented boy - the influence of Kernel is evident in the strong, bold almost wine-like flavours and aromas boasted by the Pale Ale. But the beer is accessible enough that it may well find its way onto our Everyday Drinking recommendations - whereas Kernel Beers are firmly resident on the Extreme List. It is an exciting time to sell beer in London.
Charlie McVeigh, owner, the Draft House group of pubs, London