Phil Mellows is blazing a trail for the beer connoisseurs of Forest Gate

A pint of beer — Photo by Pawel Kadysz on Unsplash

I think I might have just invented the Forest Gate Beer Mile.

Beer miles have been springing up all over the country over the past decade or so, inspired by the first, the Bermondsey Beer Mile, which now comprises no fewer than 18 bars and taprooms in the railway arches under the tracks running out of London Bridge.

On a weekend it attracts thousands of people, craft beer drinkers, who sample their way along its length. Thirds are, of course, available.

The Forest Gate Beer Mile is an altogether more modest affair with just five stops, but it might just work, I reckon.

Starting at Forest Gate Station you simply cross the road to the Forest Tavern, which has developed into an impressive operation since it was taken over by Portobello Brewery

It calls itself a ‘gastropub’ but don’t let that put you off. It’s a bright and airy comfortable space with a large garden – and, most importantly, a good range of beers.

On my last visit, there were a couple on cask, the house ale and the excellent Five Points Extra Pale from Hackney, plus 10 craft keg in various styles from London brewers.

Next on the list is the Holly Tree on Dames Road, which has just as good a range, if less local, with cask ales that, when I was there, included Wye Valley HPA and a New Bristol pale alongside the likes of Floc Siren and Gravity Well on the taps.

Then you walk round the back to Winchelsea Road where the Wanstead Tap occupies a couple of railway arches and serves six craft beers on tap. I was especially pleased to see Blanche de Bruxelles, a refreshing Belgian wheat beer, among them.

Further along the track, Pretty Decent Brewery has now moved out to the Blackhorse Beer Mile (another one) but kept its cosy neighbourhood taproom on Sheridan Road where you can choose from a dozen of its fine brews on draught.

Finally, you can extend your walk to the full mile by crossing the border for the Leytonstone Tavern, formerly the Woodman, which has now expanded into a great pub with a terrace and a strong selection of craft beers on tap – including alcohol-free, if you’ve had enough.

They’re all just waiting for the hordes of beer tourists to arrive once word gets out.

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