Best UK Brewpubs: Pubs with On-Site Breweries

Pubs that brew beer on the premises have a special appeal. You’re not just ordering a pint – you’re tasting the very freshest craft beer straight from a local microbrewery. UK brewpubs often feature experimental or seasonal ales you won’t find anywhere else, and many host brewery tours and tastings alongside hearty pub fare. This insider access to the brewing process – plus the cosy or lively pub atmosphere – is why pubs with on-site breweries are increasingly popular with both craft beer aficionados and casual pubgoers.

The Brewery Tap, Peterborough

One of England’s largest brewpubs, The Brewery Tap (80 Westgate, Peterborough) is home to Oakham Ales. This former labour exchange now houses a multi-award-winning microbrewery and a spacious taproom. Look for Oakham’s flagship ales – especially Citra and JHB – served fresh from the brewery. The modern, industrial-chic interior is bright and open, with a mezzanine overlooking walls of polished brewing tanks. The pub also offers authentic Thai food and hosts DJs and live music, making it lively in the evenings. Visitors can usually sample seasonal specials and guest ales too. In short, Oakham’s Brewery Tap combines innovative brewing with a big pub experience – ideal for fans of hoppy IPAs, golden ales and adventurous new flavours.

The Lamb & Flag, Oxford

A historic pub in the heart of Oxford (12 St Giles’), The Lamb & Flag has re-opened as a brew pub with a nod to the city’s literary past. It’s famous as a former haunt of Tolkien and the Inklings, and now it pours its own locally brewed beer. The on-site microbrewery produces a range of ales – from classic English bitters to seasonal brews – all in an atmosphere of centuries-old oak beams and snug corners. You can often expect 4–6 house ales on handpump alongside guest beers from regional breweries. Seasonal menus might include pub roasts or artisanal bar snacks designed to complement the beer. In its first year after reopening it sold over 144,000 pints of local ale, underscoring how warmly this traditional pub embraced modern brewing.

Beavertown Corner Pin, London

The Corner Pin (732 High Rd, Tottenham, London N17) is Beavertown Brewery’s flagship pub just opposite the Tottenham Hotspur stadium. It is a vibrant, boldly decorated three-story venue showcasing Beavertown’s signature modern ales. Look out for fan favourites like Neck Oil pale ale and Gamma Ray American pale ale – both brewed on site at the stadium brewery and poured fresh here. The sporty, fun atmosphere (often busy on match days) is bright with neon art and team memorabilia. In addition to beer on tap, Corner Pin offers pub food (pizza and burgers) and occasionally hosts beer-launch events. According to CAMRA, Corner Pin offers the full range of Beavertown keg beers, including special collaboration brews like the “One Of Our Own” IPA made with Spurs, giving visitors a truly unique “brewery taproom” experience.

Gunmakers Arms (Two Towers Brewery), Birmingham

In Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter, the Gunmakers Arms (93 Bath Street, B4) serves as the on-site tap for Two Towers Brewery. Two Towers relocated their brewhouse here in 2015, combining a traditional pub setting with a working brewery. Expect their flagship pale ale Hockley Gold alongside newer hop-forward brews. The bar walls are lined with gleaming brewing tanks visible through large glass panels, so you can watch ales being made while you sip. The pub menu features hearty Midlands pub fare (steaks, pies, burgers) that pair well with the craft beers. We note that Two Towers keeps a balance of traditional English styles and modern hop-driven beers. Guests can usually book brewery tours or special tasting nights by arrangement, making it a must-visit brewpub in England’s Second City.

Cloudwater Brew Co (BrewTap), Manchester

Cloudwater Brew Co. (Unit 9, Green Quarter, Manchester M1) is one of the UK’s most acclaimed modern breweries, and its on-site BrewTap offers 20+ draft lines of hyper-fresh beer. The ground-floor taproom is airy and industrial, with wooden tables lining walls of oak barrels. Recent visits have found up to 19 different Cloudwater beers on keg – from session IPAs and pilsners to rich stouts and even 11% barleywines. Two low-alcohol “sour” options also rotate in. The focus is on quality hops and fermentation; expect hazy juiciness in many IPAs and experimental small-batch brews. Cloudwater runs regular tours and tasting flights (often at weekends) and their friendly bar staff can guide even casual drinkers through the complex beer list. The BrewTap also has events like food pop-ups or live music, making it a lively craft beer pub in Manchester’s city centre.

Track Brewing Brewbar, Manchester

Just across from Cloudwater, Track Brewing’s taproom (Off Newton Street, Manchester) offers another outstanding on-site brewpub experience. The large open-plan bar features a view into Track’s brewing vessels (visible through glass screens at the end of the room). About twenty beers are on draught on any visit – mostly Track’s own hazy IPA and pale ale line-up, plus a couple of cask ales. Two-thirds of the taps are Track’s own beer and the rest are occasional guest taps. The casual beer garden out back and upstairs seating make it a popular spot year-round. Uniquely, Track also runs an in-house pizzeria: craft 12″ pizzas (meat, vegetarian, vegan) can be ordered to match your beer. They even serve non-alcoholic hop-infused sparkling water for designated drivers or soft-drink drinkers. With its friendly vibe, modern décor and emphasis on fresh cloudy ales, Track epitomises the new wave of UK brewery taprooms.

Brewhouse & Kitchen, Cardiff (Wales)

Brewhouse & Kitchen Cardiff (Pontcanna) is a larger brewpub chain’s flagship in Wales. It’s a modern, spacious pub-restaurant with its own on-site brewery, serving Cardiff-themed craft beers alongside a full kitchen. This venue offers award-winning local beers brewed to complement their food – for example, their beer-infused dishes like “Beer Can Chicken.” Specials like a Burger & Pint deal highlight the pub’s emphasis on food-beer pairing. Brewhouse & Kitchen advertises “freshly brewed, hyper-local craft beers” on tap, alongside live music and quiz nights. Weekday happy hour deals (around £3.50 a pint) make it popular with locals. Masterclasses on brewing and tasting are hosted here too, making it more than just a place to drink. Whether sampling a crisp pilsner with a Sunday roast or a stout with Welsh cheese, guests can expect a friendly brewpub atmosphere and the chance to see brewing in action (the brewhouse is visible to patrons).

The Taproom, Mumbles (Gower Brewery, Wales)

The Gower Brewery Taproom (29 Newton Rd, Mumbles, Swansea SA3) is a picturesque seaside taproom selling beers from Gower Brewery, one of Wales’ award-winning craft brewers. While the main brewhouse is at nearby Crofty, this venue serves as an on-site bar and bottle shop by the sea. Visitors can enjoy the widest selection of award-winning Gower ales, lagers and ciders alongside coffee and homemade cakes in a bright, nautical-themed space. Outdoor seating faces the ocean, making it ideal after a walk on Mumbles Pier. Gower beers here range from golden ales to fruit-driven specials – all brewed from local spring water and Gower-grown barley. The relaxed atmosphere (dogs on leads welcome) and frequent taproom events (tours, beer launches) give a true brewery-outpost feel on the Gower Peninsula.

Bonus: Bon Accord, Glasgow (Scotland)

Scotland’s contribution to the on-site brewery pub scene is a bit indirect, but Glasgow’s Bon Accord (153 North St, G3) is legendary for its beer selection. Though the brewing happens off-site, this family-run alehouse has been at the forefront of Glasgow’s craft scene for decades. Eight hand pumps regularly serve a rotating selection of cask ales from across Scotland and beyond. (Expect guest taps pouring local Scottish microbrews and speciality stouts.) With its interior lined with beers and whiskies, pub quiz nights, and a reputation for excellent real ale, the Bon Accord offers the warm hospitality and ale variety that brewpub fans crave. It’s a great reminder that even if a pub isn’t literally brewing on-site, it can capture the same spirit by showcasing community-crafted beers and pairing them with traditional pub fare.

Tips for Visiting UK Brewpubs

• Tours and Tasting Reservations: Many brewpubs offer guided brewery tours or tasting flights, but spaces can be limited. Check availability online or call ahead, especially on weekends or during beer festivals.

• Food and Pairings: Brewpubs often have on-site kitchens. Try classic pub eats (pies, burgers, charcuterie) designed to complement the beers. For special menus (roasts, tasting platters), booking a table is wise.

• Responsible Travel: Plan ahead for travel. Many brewpubs are reachable by public transport (bus or train) – for example, the Brewery Tap in Peterborough is near the railway station, and Cardiff’s Brewhouse is on a busy bus route. If driving, designate a driver or use local taxis/rideshares.

• Pace Yourself: With so many fresh brews to sample, it’s easy to overdo it. Alternate beer flights with water or snacks, and remember that ABV can be high in some craft beers. The best experience is to sip slowly and savour the flavours.

Whether nestled in a medieval city centre or on the outskirts of a seaside village, the UK’s pubs with breweries bring together the best of both worlds – pub culture and craft brewing. From airy Manchester taprooms to historic Oxonian taverns, each venue offers its own vibe, unique ales and friendly atmosphere. Exploring these on-site brewery pubs is a great way to experience local brewing heritage and try beers at their freshest. Next time you’re planning a beer outing, consider adding a brewpub to your itinerary. You might just discover a new favourite pint – and maybe even meet the brewer over a beer!