Fed up getting a box of mass-produced beer for a tenner at the supermarket or looking for something a bit different to drink at a dinner party? There are places to buy something inspiring to drink in south east London, they just take some finding.
We’ve rounded up five of the best beer and wine shops.
Mr Lawrence Wine Merchant, Brockley Road, Crofton Park
Full of unusual wines you won’t find in Tesco, many of Mr Lawrence’s 600 wines and 300 beers come from small vineyards or breweries. You can order online and pick up in the wine bar.
The Bitter End, Masons Hill, Bromley
Describing itself as a beer festival in a shop, this is the place to go to (or buy online at beerbarrels2u.co.uk) if you’re after large quantities of craft beer. It stocks ales, craft beers and ciders from a staggering range of brewers in various quantities, from bottles to casks.
Oddbins, Tranquil Vale, Blackheath
Don’t be fooled by the name. This is an Oddbins, but it’s also the UK’s first beer-only off licence. As such, not only is it incredibly hipster friendly, it’s a treasure trove of really cool beers – and three-quarters of them are made in the UK.
Oddbins managing director Ayo Akintola said: "The British beer drinker now has a dazzling choice of fantastic locally made beers and we are proud to be supporting this burgeoning industry by offering our customers an unparalleled choice of craft ales."
Champion Wines, High Street, Chislehurst
Deliberately not stuffy or intimidating, Peter and Penny Champion are always happy to help. They search the world for the best wines that taste more expensive than they are and you can rest assured they have sampled all 450 varieties on sale and given them their approval. Champion also sells cheeses, beers, spirits and champagne.
Davy’s Wine Shop, Greenwich High Road
One of London’s oldest wine shops, Davy’s was founded in 1870 and remains independent. As well as a well-stocked shop, there’s also a wine bar on the High Road.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here