Where: In Hackney, East London. See map.
Why you should visit: Crate entered the craft beer scene in July last year, perfect timing for the start of the 2012 London Olympics. Next to a picturesque canal at the site of an old factory, you can see the Olympic park in the distance. A seemingly-spacious interior with high ceilings and picnic-type wood tables make it a fun, artsy brewery space.
Overall comments: The menu is simple but well constructed; specialty-creative stone baked pizzas with the word “CRATE” embedded on each stone, my favorite so far being the middle eastern lamb pizza topped with spinach, pine nuts and marinated lamb mince that we had during our December visit.
On Sunday afternoon the inside was jam-packed so we bundled up and sat outside on the bench next to the canal, not the best idea on a windy, brisk winter’s day, especially when our pizzas didn’t arrive until one hour after we ordered them. Two Crate beers were on tap, as well as a selection of guest beers. I had the Crate Stout, which was delicious, and I’m anxious to see if the on-tap beer selection and range expands in future months. What I love the most is the location and warehouse space set-up, and it will be a nice place to return to in warm weather, when we can sit outside with friends enjoying a beer as we watch the narrow boats pass through the canal.
February 22, 2013
Beer and Breweries, Beer By Country, London, England, UK