Friendship Adventure Brewery Tap, Loughborough Junction, SW9

Please Note: This review is over a year old.

Pub SignMan left this review about Friendship Adventure Brewery Tap

This is yet another South London brewery taproom, conveniently located beneath Loughborough Junction station in what I assumed would be a railway arch but actually appears to be a former storeroom or similar. The venue occupies a roughly Y-shaped room and the fact that it’s not a typically metal-clad arch makes a huge difference, resulting in a well-presented space that wouldn’t be too jarring for pub traditionalists. Sure, the place still has a concrete floor, but the walls are mainly whitewashed brickwork, whilst the ceiling is crossed by impressive metal beams and supported by sturdy pillars that bisect the servery without blocking access to the bar too much. The left side of the room is dominated by the brewery equipment, although it doesn’t feel like it’s in the way, standing in a roped off area that feels distinctly separate from the drinking area. Tables and chairs at the front soon give way to high tables and stools towards the rear and in the right-hand space beyond the bar. The servery occupies much of the right-hand wall and has a wood panelled counter front partly covered in a bright mural, with a very nice interlocking timber bar back complete with beer board, keg taps and a large storage space on top occupied by various boxes and sacks of brewing gear and a large barrel. Beers are also listed along the bar canopy, which has a load of potted plants on top. Another large mural covers the front left wall and a couple more beer boards hang to the rear of the room, ensuring you don’t need to head over to the bar to decide what you want to order next. Chilled ambient tunes played in the background throughout my time here and there was a good crowd on a mid-week evening, ensuring a lively atmosphere.
I was greeted on arrival by a very friendly barman who helped talk me through some of the six home brews, four guest beers and one cider that made up the keg selection. I settled on a pint of the Friendship Adventure Headliner NEIPA, which was an excellent beer - I could’ve easily stayed and drank this beer all night. Having found somewhere to sit, the barman then came over with a complimentary bottle of water and bowl of popcorn, both of which he said he would happily top up for me should I want more - what an unexpected, but nice touch.
I thought this was a great little place offering some top quality beer in an interesting space with enthusiastic and attentive service and a nice buzzy mid-week atmosphere. These places are two-a-penny in London nowadays, so you really need something a bit different to make a visit feel special, and for me, this place definitely managed that - I’m sure I will be back again soon.

On 15^th January 2022 - rating: 8
[User has posted 3114 recommendations about 3114 pubs]