Blink and you’ll miss it, Craft Metropolis is a hard-to-find and hard-to-leave spot that channels all of the cool understated London microbreweries have finessed over recent years.
This private little Loughborough Junction spot is well hidden, down a single-file alley off the otherwise unremarkable Hinton Road. Travel up the tiny passageway right under the train line and duck into Craft Metropolis’s arch which makes clever use of space to create a compact microbrewery and taproom.
Dark and fresh inside, you’re met with the bar upon entry from which you collect your incredibly delicious brew, before heading up the stairs and onto the mezzanine level placed above the brewing zone. Up here a large window in the back arch allows light to seep in over the tables, and otherwise darkly painted room.
A screen hung above the door creates an almost cinema-like sport-watching environment up on the top deck, with rugby matches beamed onto it for the big games. As the image in this guide will show, this is a hard spot to stumble across by accident but is well worth making the effort to find, especially when you keep in mind its sizeable selection of refrigerated cans you can available takeaway.
This is a spot that exists in the half spaces, the kind of venue that leaves you amazed someone has managed to fit such a big operation into such a small space, the kinds of place that make living in a great city so rewarding -- when you find it.
Find your way with 286 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
It's always been magical to press the discreet buzzer and walk into the quiet brick-walled garden of Rochelle Canteen, leaving gritty East London behind.
by
In an area full of chains, visit the family-run Crown Café. I'm a big fan of their sandwiches & their pastel de nata and they make a great cup of tea.
by
They have an array of all the classic pastries you’d expect from a French bakery, from pain au chocolat & croissants to my favourite croissant aux amandes.
by
Their Reading room is a mix between a gallery and a library with books and lots of places to sit and read or do some work on your laptop.
by
The Barbary pays homage to the culinary traditions of the countries from the Atlantic Coast through to the Mediterranean Sea leading to the Middle East.
by
The Nickel Cinema is a 37-seat gem that revives NYC grindhouse spirit with little-known films and a vintage-filled bar. Unmissable for true film lovers!
by
A beloved East London classic, E Pellici offers hearty Italian–English food, strong coffee, and warm family-run charm to a lively mix of locals and visitors.
by
With connections to the local skate scene, it's a place where the mulleted, leather-jacketed alternative students from art unis head for a big night.
by
"Tayyabs" in London is a legendary Punjabi run. I'll go weak at the knees at the aroma of their sizzling platters of marinated lamb chops & shami kebabs...
by
"Kew Gardens" is the famous UNESCO world heritage site in Southwest London. It's great to visit for its plants, flowers and Christmas festivities!
by
"Richmond Hill" is my sunset-gazing of preference in London. The 20-minute train ride from Waterloo station is worth it for the view alone...
by
286 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 286 Insider Tips