This page is a reaction to how difficult it is to find good beer in most shops, in a market that has a clear thirst for it (recent riots, anyone?!). So, if your sick to the ale-hole of the same four supermarket beers night after night, check out one of these Melthair Recommended Ale dispensers for your Brown Supply...
View Getting Beer in a larger map
RealAle.com - Twickenham;
Melthair's second visit to the shop of dreams, just across the river from Richmond. We were impressed by the rotated selection of beers (since two weeks previous). English Craft and Real Ale, USA Micro Breweries, Saltines (salty snacks) and even something called "Wine"...
Friendly staff do their best to not to make you feel like an ale deviant (and succeed to some extent) and are very helpful if you're feeling dizzy from the amount of choice.
I believe they also host tasting evenings on Saturday and have 'meet the brewer' events.
It all sounds a bit disturbingly good right?
Here's an internal shot of one of the walls of beer, there are many more beers below and behind.
My visit left me glad that it's only an 8 minute train to get here for myself. Although that train journey back was somewhat more difficult when carrying and trying not to smash 10kg of beer.
I heard a rumour that they also do online delivery. But that sounds a lot like witchcraft to me and I shall have no part in it. Melthair recommend you pop in and say hello if you are nearby!
ALE! @ realale.com - Map
10th August 2011...
The Beer Boutique - Putney;
Melthair's first visit to the Beer Boutique in Putney, South West London. (geographically placed as to be on my drive home.)A large store with a selection of around 100 Beers in all styles with the incredibly beer-learned owner there to help you choose. It's always a treat when you haven't had 90% of the beers on sale. I came away with an eclectic selection and i'll be back for more soon.
While the section is not as massive as the RealAle.com shop, it's a much more personal shop here and you're in good hands if you require any advice.
Melthair gives this ale dispenser a massive thumbs up!
Ale @ The Beer Boutique - Map
30th August 2011...
Uto Beer - Borough Market;
The Rake Bar's off license unit at Borough Market is chock full of crazy brews. Beers from all around the world in the middle of the London's best food market. It has a massive range (200+ Estimated?) but can be a bit of a scrum on Saturdays when the market is in full swing.
Once you've collected your beer, you are yards away from three awesome beer pubs; namely, The Rake Bar, The Market Porter and Brew Wharf. Beer Nirvana.
31th August 2011...
Cardiff
Looking for a good ale in a Cardiff shop can prove to be a bit of an adventure, but here's a few tips....
The best shop we've encountered by far is not what you would expect (well not from the outside anyway). The Discount Supermarket on Whitchurch Road (97-99 Whitchurch Road, Cardiff, CF14 3JP) could easily be bypassed on the never ending quest for ale, but step inside and prepare to have your mind blown by the treasures within. A wall of ale and craft beers awaits and the prices are good. If there's a better shop in Cardiff we've not seen it.
Otherwise, The Bottle Shop (4, Pen Y Lan Road, just off Albany Road) is next best, which some very interesting choices. Worth a glance is Philip Morgan & Sons, (124 Wyndham Crescent, Cardiff), which also has a fair share, including a few welsh ales.
...and a nod to Millenium Stores (57 Cornwall Street, Grangetown) which may only stock 8 varieties but offers a small ale filled oasis in the sea of lager filled Grangetown.Any Cardiff residents with any other good ale stops please let us know...
