Exale Taproom, Higham Hill, E17

Whilst Beeblefish was the reason for us visiting the Uplands Business Park, I noticed that there were a number of other breweries based on the Park. The Exale Brewing Taproom was our next stop and proved to be a complete contrast to Beerblefish. The place was packed and very noise, with a Rod Stewart lookalike performing his songs with people dancing and singing along. Beers on from Exale were Skoosh, Zorc, Krankie, Oona, Dinky, Girders & Shuggie. Overtown Cran-Razz was also on. Similar to the last reviewer, my drinking partner tried the Krankie and found it fairly unique. With a lively atmosphere, I thought this was probably the best of the brewery bars we visited on the Blackhorse Mile. Outside, there was further seating, both near the entrance door and on an undercover patio area up a flight of stairs.

Facebook page of Exale Taproom - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of Exale Taproom - www.facebook.com

The Exale Brewery tap room was probably the most enjoyable visit as far as premises go on the Blackhorse Mile. Initially it wasn’t very promising as there was an external drainage problem being sorted out as we approached meaning walking across a temporary pontoon bridge to get into the place. One in there it had the most character of all the tap rooms we visited on the day. There is an outside courtyard space with undercover seating on two sides and tables under umbrellas in the middle. Then the inside bar area has a collection of seating options including high tables, a small mezzanine floor section and some very funky decor, although the large illuminated cloud structures hanging from the ceiling probably work better on a dark evening. The bar is located on the right hand side and alongside the tiled tap wall with 10 taps there were other interesting drink options including alcoholic cocktail slushes for the ladies. Three Exale craft brews were on alongside other options from Boxcar, The Kernal and Hackney Brewery. We tried all three and the Pale and the West Coast IPA were decent brews. Unfortunately we didn’t know that the brewers here are Scottish and should have read the board properly and asked for a sample of the Krankie before ordering it. Exale Krankie is an Iron Bru Sour, and let’s just say it’s an acquired taste. I believe this one opens at 4pm on a Thursday and Friday and 12 noon at the weekend.

Official site of Exale Taproom - www.exalebrewing.com

Official site of Exale Taproom - www.exalebrewing.com