Bury Saint Edmunds, Suffolk
1. Vespers Belgian Beer Bar
1. Vespers Belgian Beer Bar
1. Vespers Belgian Beer Bar
Nestled near the Abbey Gardens, Vespers is a cosy, candlelit homage to Belgian brewing. With 15 taps and a deep bottle list, it’s a haven for lovers of Trappist ales, Lambics, and rare imports. Bring your own food, sip something wild, and let the vaulted ceilings and warm staff transport you to Bruges by way of Suffolk.
Journey Tip: This j
Nestled near the Abbey Gardens, Vespers is a cosy, candlelit homage to Belgian brewing. With 15 taps and a deep bottle list, it’s a haven for lovers of Trappist ales, Lambics, and rare imports. Bring your own food, sip something wild, and let the vaulted ceilings and warm staff transport you to Bruges by way of Suffolk.
Journey Tip: This journey can be made in any order, but this is a good place to start if your visiting from afar so you can make your way back to Bury St. Edmunds Railway Station.
Location: St Andrew's Street S, Bury Saint Edmunds IP33 3PH
2. The Rising Sun
1. Vespers Belgian Beer Bar
1. Vespers Belgian Beer Bar
A proper pub with a modern craft twist, The Rising Sun blends heritage and hops in style. Inside, vintage brewery signs and historic memorabilia nod to Britain’s rich brewing past, while the bar pours a stellar mix of traditional cask ales and cutting-edge independent craft beers. Out back, the expansive beer garden is a suntrap for lazy
A proper pub with a modern craft twist, The Rising Sun blends heritage and hops in style. Inside, vintage brewery signs and historic memorabilia nod to Britain’s rich brewing past, while the bar pours a stellar mix of traditional cask ales and cutting-edge independent craft beers. Out back, the expansive beer garden is a suntrap for lazy afternoons and weekend gatherings. Whether you're chasing a hazy IPA or a perfectly pulled pint of bitter, this is where old-school charm meets new-school flavour
Journey Tip: A great second stop but you could easily get cosy here or enjoy the beer garden. We're not sure if food is served here... We didn't see any on our visit and it doesn't mention online.
Location: 98 Risbygate St, Bury Saint Edmunds IP33 3AA
3. Hopsters
4. The Old Cannon Brewery
4. The Old Cannon Brewery
The latest taproom to open of the East of England craft beer indie chain Hopsters. Already making waves, Hopsters brings a bold, modern edge to Bury’s beer landscape. With a sharp focus on independent craft with the most well known names, expect a rotating lineup of punchy IPAs, crisp lagers, and experimental brews from the UK’s most exci
The latest taproom to open of the East of England craft beer indie chain Hopsters. Already making waves, Hopsters brings a bold, modern edge to Bury’s beer landscape. With a sharp focus on independent craft with the most well known names, expect a rotating lineup of punchy IPAs, crisp lagers, and experimental brews from the UK’s most exciting producers. The vibe is sleek yet welcoming, with knowledgeable staff and a layout built for tastings, chats, and casual pints. Whether you're a seasoned hophead or just curious, Hopsters is the place to discover what’s next in British beer.
Journey Tip: There is pop food in the form of Detroit style pizza from 'Dough Pusher Pizza' on Friday and Saturdays.
Location: 3 Short Brackland, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1EL
4. The Old Cannon Brewery
4. The Old Cannon Brewery
4. The Old Cannon Brewery
A true local institution,The Old Cannon Brewery is where beer is born and poured under one roof. This characterful brewpub serves up its own cask ales—brewed right next the bar—ranging from sessionable bitters, summer pales to rich porters. The cosy beer garden is a hidden gem for sunny pints, while inside, hearty pub fare and warm hospi
A true local institution,The Old Cannon Brewery is where beer is born and poured under one roof. This characterful brewpub serves up its own cask ales—brewed right next the bar—ranging from sessionable bitters, summer pales to rich porters. The cosy beer garden is a hidden gem for sunny pints, while inside, hearty pub fare and warm hospitality make it a go-to for lunch, dinner, or a weekend stay. With comfy rooms upstairs, it’s the perfect base for exploring Suffolk’s beer-soaked history.
Journey Tip: A perfect end to this journey with accommodation available or a five minute walk to Bury St. Edmunds Railway Station.
Location: 86 Cannon St, Bury St Edmunds, Bury Saint Edmunds IP33 1JR
LEWES, East Sussex
1. The Patch Beer Cafe
2. BEAK Brewery Tap Room
2. BEAK Brewery Tap Room
The Patch is a quirky craft beer cafe offering delicious breakfasts, brunch, divine takeaway sandwiches, and frothy modern craft beer from their taps. The Patch also stays open into the evenings, making it possible to spend your entire day here.
Journey Tip: Just a short walk from Lewes railway station, this is an essential first stop to f
The Patch is a quirky craft beer cafe offering delicious breakfasts, brunch, divine takeaway sandwiches, and frothy modern craft beer from their taps. The Patch also stays open into the evenings, making it possible to spend your entire day here.
Journey Tip: Just a short walk from Lewes railway station, this is an essential first stop to fuel up for the day and wet your whistle.
Location: 19-21 Market St, Lewes BN7 2NB
2. BEAK Brewery Tap Room
2. BEAK Brewery Tap Room
2. BEAK Brewery Tap Room
The BEAK Brewery Taproom is arguably one of the best modern craft beer breweries in the UK. It's only open from Friday to Sunday, when the brewery itself closes for the weekend and brings out the benches. You can enjoy all the BEAK favourites, and there's a rotating selection of pop-up food stalls each weekend.
Journey Tip: This journey ca
The BEAK Brewery Taproom is arguably one of the best modern craft beer breweries in the UK. It's only open from Friday to Sunday, when the brewery itself closes for the weekend and brings out the benches. You can enjoy all the BEAK favourites, and there's a rotating selection of pop-up food stalls each weekend.
Journey Tip: This journey can be completed in any order, but we recommend visiting after The Patch or ending your day here (it's about a 25-minute walk to Lewes railway station).
Location: Unit 14 Cliffe Industrial Est, Lewes BN8 6JL
3. The Snowdrop Inn
4. ABYSS Brewing Tap Room
4. ABYSS Brewing Tap Room
The Snowdrop Named after a historic event where snow fell from the towering Lewes cliffs and blanketed the pub, The Snowdrop is a must-visit. You'll find modern craft beer at the bar, European lagers, and a bit of cask ale, usually from Harvey's Brewery. The food here is reputed to be very good, and hopefully, the owner's two white husk
The Snowdrop Named after a historic event where snow fell from the towering Lewes cliffs and blanketed the pub, The Snowdrop is a must-visit. You'll find modern craft beer at the bar, European lagers, and a bit of cask ale, usually from Harvey's Brewery. The food here is reputed to be very good, and hopefully, the owner's two white huskies (we think they're huskies) will be there to greet you.
Journey Tip: As the only pub on the journey, this is a perfect pit stop halfway between BEAK and AYBSS.
Location: 119 South St, Lewes BN7 2BU
4. ABYSS Brewing Tap Room
4. ABYSS Brewing Tap Room
4. ABYSS Brewing Tap Room
ABYSS Brewing is known for its incredible modern beers, often dank, juicy, and very moreish. They also collaborate with top breweries around the UK to brew exciting new creations. There's a resident food pop-up here on Saturdays, and there's plenty of room for patrons. The staff are cool, and the flights come on a skateboard—a unique touc
ABYSS Brewing is known for its incredible modern beers, often dank, juicy, and very moreish. They also collaborate with top breweries around the UK to brew exciting new creations. There's a resident food pop-up here on Saturdays, and there's plenty of room for patrons. The staff are cool, and the flights come on a skateboard—a unique touch that we love.
Journey Tip: Depending on how you approach this journey, we recommend either stopping here second or making it your final destination. It's about a 15-minute walk from Lewes railway station.
Location: The Malthouse, Davey's Ln, Lewes BN7 2BF
Norwich, Norfolk
1. Sir Toby's Beers
1. Sir Toby's Beers
1. Sir Toby's Beers
Located on the historic and unique Norwich Market, Sir Toby's is a specialist bottle shop and craft beer bar. Stocking beers from local breweries and afar there's plenty to please any craft beer enthusiast here.
Journey Tip: The market is conveniently located from the bus and railways stations. There's plenty of delicious food stalls on
Located on the historic and unique Norwich Market, Sir Toby's is a specialist bottle shop and craft beer bar. Stocking beers from local breweries and afar there's plenty to please any craft beer enthusiast here.
Journey Tip: The market is conveniently located from the bus and railways stations. There's plenty of delicious food stalls on the market so this is a great spot to line your stomach before you start this craft beer journey.
Location: Market 182 &, 183 Market Pl, Norwich NR2 1ND
2. The Fat Cat
1. Sir Toby's Beers
1. Sir Toby's Beers
The Fat Cat pub is an award winning boozer that can't be missed if paying Norwich a visit. Cask and real ale really is the star of the show here. No thrills but just fantastic beer which is served with TLC. A couple of years ago the owners opened up The Mad Cat just next door, which showcases modern craft beers - this all sounds too good
The Fat Cat pub is an award winning boozer that can't be missed if paying Norwich a visit. Cask and real ale really is the star of the show here. No thrills but just fantastic beer which is served with TLC. A couple of years ago the owners opened up The Mad Cat just next door, which showcases modern craft beers - this all sounds too good to be true, right?
Journey Tip: This is two stops in one, so give yourself plenty of time to settle into both for a drink or three. LUPA, just across the street, also serves up pizza which can be ordered and eaten in both pubs (We haven't tried this however).
Location: 49 W End St, Norwich NR2 4NA
3. Hop Rocket
3. Hop Rocket
3. Hop Rocket
Hop Rock opened in 2024 and has quickly become the favourite pub of many locals. This stop embodies everything a contemporary 'local' can and should be - staff who care, modern craft beers on cask and a great selection of keg beers. Hop Rocket is a sister venue to The Brewery Tap - another must visit pub to the north of the city centre -
Hop Rock opened in 2024 and has quickly become the favourite pub of many locals. This stop embodies everything a contemporary 'local' can and should be - staff who care, modern craft beers on cask and a great selection of keg beers. Hop Rocket is a sister venue to The Brewery Tap - another must visit pub to the north of the city centre - unfortunately, you might struggle to fit it in on this journey... But where there's beer, there's a way!
Journey Tip: One could easily spend the whole day here but alas, this is a beer journey. The well stocked fridge is a great place to pick up some cans for the journey home. The next stop is a good 20 minute walk but a short taxi ride.
Location: 152a Unthank Rd, Norwich NR2 2RS
4. Bier Draak
3. Hop Rocket
3. Hop Rocket
Bier Draak is the newest kid on the block out of the stops on this journey and it's perfectly positioned, being a five minute walk from the railway station. It is the sister venue to Sir Toby's and the focus here is on continental beers but with over ten taps there's more than enough choice for what ever your persuasion. There's a well st
Bier Draak is the newest kid on the block out of the stops on this journey and it's perfectly positioned, being a five minute walk from the railway station. It is the sister venue to Sir Toby's and the focus here is on continental beers but with over ten taps there's more than enough choice for what ever your persuasion. There's a well stocked fridge for take aways too.
Journey Tip: This can be either the starting point or end point of this journey - we'd recommend ending point if you're visiting Norwich by train. Grab yourself a nibble board whilst you're here to soak up those higher ABVs.
Location: 42 King St, Norwich NR1 1PD