Fullers Brewery and Tour
The Fullers Brewery in Chiswick has been brewing beer for more than 350 years, and is believed to be the oldest working brewery in London. This brewery was producing ale back in the day of Oliver Cromwell. The original brewery was situated in the gardens of Bedford House and was then owned by Philip Wood and Douglas and Henry Thompson. In 1829 John Fuller became a partner in the brewery but this was a troubled partnership and it was dissolved in 1841. The brewery was too large for Fuller to manage alone so with the aid of his son and two other brewers by the names of Smith and Turner the brewery took on the name of Fuller, Smith & Turner in 1845, the name by which it is still known. Today the descendants of those original brewers are still very much involved in the running of the business.
The Brewery Tour
If you have ever wanted to know everything about how beer is made, or just wanted to experience the sights, sounds and smells of a working brewery then the Fullers Griffin brewery tour will be a dream come true. By visiting the brewery and joining one of the regular tours you will be able to experience the heritage and the history of this incredible brewery for yourself. The staff at the Fullers Griffin brewery run a total of twenty tours per week during which they will give you an insight into the brewing process and be on hand to answer any questions that you may have about either the brewing process of the incredible and long history of the brewery.
The high point of the tour, according to the many that have participated is the tasting session at the end of the tour, provided of course that tour members are over eighteen years of age. The tour itself lasts between an hour and a half and an hour and three quarters, plenty of time for you to get to grips with the way that the brewery operates.
Useful Information
CThe brewery tours run on weekdays only, Monday to Friday on the hour between 11am and 3pm. Places on the Fullers Griffin Brewery Tour must be booked in advance as places are limited and they are always in high demand. When paid in advance the tour prices are £10 per adult (£12 if paid on the day), minors between the ages of 16-17 are charged at £7 and members of the Fine Ale Club are admitted for £8. Groups of up to fifteen people can be accommodated at any one time, but if you want to visit with a larger party they may be accommodated if the brewery is contacted in advance.
At the end of the tour, after the tasting session there is a gift shop where you can stock up on their famous products and brewery memorabilia. Please bear in mind that this is not a tour suitable for young children and if you attend with children under the age of 16 you may be refused entry.
