When you think BrewDog you think beer. You might be aware that they started out in their home of Scotland, and that they have a strong eco-ethos and that they’ve been in the news for lots of different reasons in the last few years.
Most recently, however, the coverage is all about their brand new, whopping Waterloo venue. Not only is it cavernous in size, some 27,500 square feet, but they’ve loaded it up with incredible facilities.
Thankfully this new BrewDog has embraced the fun by installing six lanes of Duckpin Bowling. Duckpin is similar to ten pin bowling but the lanes are shorter, the balls are smaller, the technique is completely different and you get three goes every round … so, not that similar. It’s fast-paced, loads of fun and highly competitive.
As part of their very clever space utilisation planning BrewDog have installed three ping pong tables. By day these act as co-working tables offering free wi-fi, come 5.30pm it’s time to pen down and paddle up. The nets get strapped on and the gaming can begin.
What could be more fun than a 10ft spiral slide? For guests at BrewDog Waterloo you don’t have to trudge down to the bar to get a refill, you can simply jump onto the slide and whizz your way down to the ground floor – amazing!
You could make your next stop the in-house ice cream van. Quite literally a proper ice cream van hidden away inside the pub. The van is partnered with Hackney Gelato so the menu is rather different from your traditional van … Cookie Monster Sundae, Banana Split, Donut Sandwiches, that kind of thing. Or you can stick to the classics and go for a Feast, Fab, Twister or Mini Milk.
Roulette anyone? If a game of chance, where the stakes are high, is more you’re thing then you’ll need to seek out the Lost Property Office. A secret, speakeasy styled cocktail bar curated by ‘The Cocktail Guy’ Rich Woods. To get yourself in you must use the discreet 1920s style phone and request access. You’ll be offered a trio of cocktails which all look identical in a game of Martini Roulette.
BrewDog is a work hard, play hard kind of a place. As well as the co-working tables there are compact zoom rooms. Here you can shut the door for a little privacy whilst taking a conference or telephone call.
If you’re board room is rather boring then you should check out the bookable private meeting rooms. Not only do they look beautiful but they’re equipped with pretty much everything you could need. There’s even the option of a beer fridge and a snack bar! These rooms are suitable for eight.
BrewDog have gone a step further with supporting popular culture … they’ve installed two fully equipped podcast recording studios. Studios are in high demand so you’ll need to book.
BrewDog have not in anyway abandoned their roots with this brand new, superstore of a pub. The bar supports 60 taps of craft beer showcasing the finest BrewDog favourites as well as a selection of guest beers. The venue is also home to an on-site brewhouse which, among other beers, will be brewing up the new Trainspotter, a house beer exclusive to BrewDog Waterloo.
Although beer is a highlight of any trip to BrewDog you might be in need of something less alcoholic but just as stimulating. In which case you should seek out Grind Coffee.
To top it off BrewDog Waterloo has incredible food to serve you. Their main menu will have you salivating before you’ve even ordered. We’re talking unctuous stacked burgers, hand-stretched sourdough pizzas and oak-fired chicken.
Alternatively, you could go big with brunch from the Grind Coffee menu. Not only do they serve an impressive full breakfast but there’s beauties like buttermilk pancakes, Korean bacon sandwich (bao bun) and fried chicken waffles!
BrewDog host events throughout the year from Beer School, Christmas Parties, Dag Pawty (yes that’s parties for dogs), and visiting performers / DJs.
With so much to enjoy, plus it’s talk of the town, why not get yourself down to BrewDog Waterloo and see what all the fuss is about. Just don’t bottle it on the slide – you’re not too cool for school!
Where: Unit G, Waterloo Station, 01 The Sidings, London, SE1 7BH
Cost: Duckpin Bowling £5pp off peak / £7pp peak
