Southey Brewery & Taproom, Penge

Brewery taproom.

Opening in March 2018, the taproom for the Southey Brewery has evolved into a popular and friendly community hub with a cheerful cosy atmosphere and welcoming staff. The stark brick Victorian building may seem disconcerting from the outside, but the inside is deceptively spacious with a small bar area serving an L-shaped room with an assortment of tables and chairs plus alcoves. White and dark grey painted brick walls with wooden half-panelling complement the wooden flooring and bare electric lights that hang from the ceiling along with dried hop bines hanging from original steel girders. Tables can be reserved. The actual brewery can be seen through the window.

Up to three real ales from the Southey range are available, with nine others available from the keg fonts covering a range of styles. There is a beer menu behind the bar, given that the selection changes on a regular basis. All of the beers are unfined and confirmed as being vegan-friendly. A fridge is present with a selection of cans, mostly from Southey but also from other microbreweries - these are available for takeaway as well as drinking onsite. There is also a range of wine, cider, spirits and soft drinks as well as coffee from Carnival Coffee Roasters.

Food can be ordered and delivered from Yard Sale Pizza. Customers are welcome to bring in their own food.

A refurbished modern function room is available upstairs for an event space. A wide range of events are available including an art club, cinema club, quiz evenings plus open mic evenings with music, comedy and poetry. An events board is on display in the main bar area.

The outside area consists of several tables with murals that are characteristic of Penge street art.

Located close to Penge High Street, this is rather hidden away down a back alley off Southey Street. Opening hours have recently been extended with the taproom now open every day (as from 23rd June 2023).

The brewery operates a 6 barrel kit, having evolved from the Late Knights brewery which was set up here in 2013 until this folded in August 2016. The Southey brewery restarted brewing in December 2016.

Instagram page is @southeybrewingco

Part of the "Local Brewery Loop": https://www.localbreweryloop.co.uk