3 Locks Brewing Company: Guided tasting and brewery tour

A brewery tour in Camden Market where you can actually drink beer straight from the tank is the kind of detail that instantly makes this feel different from the usual tasting format. It is short too, about 1.5 hours, so you get a satisfying hit of brewing, beer talk, and pours without losing half your day.

I particularly like the guided tasting of 6 beers. It gives you structure, and it means you are tasting with someone who can point out what to notice while you sample.

The one real drawback is simple: this is not suitable for children under 18, and you will be drinking multiple beers. If you prefer lighter or non alcoholic experiences, this may not be your cup of tea.

Key things to know before you go

• Camden Market’s first ever brewery, right where you are already going to be exploring
• A flight of 6 beers with live guidance, not just a casual pour and wander
• Tank beer as a featured moment, so you drink from the source, not a bottle
• More included beer than typical tours, plus an end of tour beer to finish strong
• Guides like Mick, Michael, and Shay get praised for humor and for keeping the pace relaxed

A 90 Minute Camden Market Brewery Stop: What You Get

This tour is built for people who want beer as the main event. You are not just walking past equipment and hoping you catch a few brewing facts. You get a full brewhouse tour, plus a structured tasting of 6 beers, with specific moments where you drink beer during the tour.

The setting matters too. 3 Locks Brewing Company is tied to Camden Market, and it is described as the market’s first ever brewery. That is great for practical tourism reasons. You can combine a beer focused experience with a classic day out in one of London’s most walkable areas.

Timing is the sweet spot: 1.5 hours. It is long enough to learn a few real things and taste properly, but short enough that you can still plan dinner nearby without stressing.

Check In With the Bar Team and Start With a Welcome Beer

You meet at 3 Locks Brewing Company, and you check in with the bar team. Getting that first hand on logistics matters because it sets the tone. You should feel pulled into the experience right away, not waiting around with nothing to do.

The ticket includes a welcome beer, so your tour starts in a satisfying way. This is not a marketing trick where you get one sip and then wait. From the info provided, the tour keeps delivering, including beers during the brewhouse portion and at the end.

One small practical note: the tour is led in English, and it is clearly designed for an adult focused evening or afternoon plan. Come ready to listen, taste, and ask questions when the guide gives the floor.

The Brewhouse Tour and the Tank Beer Moment

A regular brewery tour can be educational, but it can also feel like you spend most of the time looking at shiny tanks and listening to explanations. What makes this one memorable is that you also get a hands on drinking moment: you can drink beer straight from the tank.

That tank beer step is the centerpiece. It turns the tour from passive watching into an actual comparison experience. As you sip, pay attention to what changes for you as the beer shifts from the flight format to something served directly from the tank. Your goal is not to memorize lab notes. It is to notice character, freshness, and how it lands on your palate.

You also get time to see the brewhouse during the tour, which is where the guided context helps. If you have ever tasted beer and wondered what the brewing process is actually doing behind the scenes, this is the moment where the explanation connects to what you are tasting.

Practical tip: open toed shoes are not allowed. In a working brewery environment, stick to closed toe shoes so you do not end up stressed at the check in stage.

Your Guided Six Beer Tasting: How to Taste Without Guessing

The tasting format is built around a flight of 6 beers, guided live. That matters because it keeps you from tasting randomly. Instead of just going, that tastes good or bad, you get prompts for what to notice and why.

From the feedback provided, the guides are praised for being engaging and funny. People explicitly call out witty remarks and interesting insights into both beer and the brewing process. If you like learning in a relaxed tone, this kind of guiding style is a big part of the value.

How I recommend you taste:

• Take small sips and give each beer a few seconds before deciding
• Keep your questions simple. Ask what makes that beer distinct
• If you start tasting and then get distracted, you will miss the point of the flight
• Pace yourself. The tour includes multiple beers, so avoid rushing

Even if you are not a serious beer judge, a guided flight helps you build a personal set of preferences. You start to realize what you like in flavor style, body, and finish, which makes it easier to order confidently after the tour.

End of Tour Beer, Plus a 10 Percent Taproom Discount

The ticket does not end when the tasting ends. You also get a final beer at the end of the tour, plus you drink in the brewery during the experience. That added flow is part of why people describe this tour as strong value.

There is also a 10% discount in the taproom on beers and merch for all tour guests. This is not just a sweetener. It is practical. It gives you a low risk way to follow up with whatever you liked most during the tasting. If one beer really clicks, you can usually turn that into a purchase without feeling like you are paying full price for one more experiment.

The taproom discount also helps you if you want a small souvenir. Buying merch is always tricky when you are traveling, so having the discount right after the tour is a smart timing move.

Price and Value: Why It Feels Like More Beer for Your Money

The price is listed as $33 per person, with tickets also shown as £30. For a tour that runs 1.5 hours and includes a welcome beer, a guided tasting of 6 beers, a beer in the brewhouse, tank beer, and an end of tour beer, the value is in the volume and the structure.

Many brewery tours include a flight, but you do not always feel like you get much beyond that. Here, you get multiple drinking moments tied directly to the tour sections. Add the 10% taproom discount, and the total experience can turn into a flexible plan: learn first, taste more during the tour, then buy what you enjoyed after.

It also helps that the overall rating is high. The score shown is 4.9 with 16 reviews. I treat ratings like a signal, not a guarantee, but a number this strong usually means the guide experience and the beer inclusion are matching expectations.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Rethink It)

This tour is best for you if:

• You like beer and want a structured tasting, not just a walk through a brewery
• You want a fun, guided experience with a lively tone
• You are in Camden Market anyway and want one activity that is genuinely tied to the area

It may not be the right choice if:

• You do not drink beer or you are trying to limit alcohol
• You need a family friendly outing, because it is not suitable for children under 18
• You are uncomfortable standing around a working production space for part of the session, even if the tour is designed to be relaxed

The fact that guides like Mick and Michael are praised for being engaging and funny suggests the tour is not overly stiff. It is a good match if you like learning while still having a good time.

Practical Tips Before You Go

A few details can make your experience smoother:

• Wear closed toe shoes since open toed shoes are not allowed
• Plan on English guidance, so if you need another language, confirm availability before you go
• Keep your pace with the group. The tour is short, so you do not want to miss the tank beer moment
• Bring a mindset of taste comparison, not just consumption

Also, be ready for the tour to feel like a guided beer education session. You will have time to taste, ask questions, and get context about the brewing process. If you treat it like a checklist, it is easy to rush. If you treat it like a tasting story, you will get more out of the flight.

Should You Book the 3 Locks Guided Tasting and Brewery Tour?

If you want a beer focused tour that actually gives you multiple tasting moments, I think this is an easy yes. The combination of a 6 beer guided flight, a brewhouse tour, and the standout tank beer moment is what makes it feel worthwhile at £30 for 1.5 hours.

Book it if you are spending time in Camden Market and want one activity that is both fun and structured. Skip it if alcohol is a deal breaker for you or if you were hoping for something that is family friendly or alcohol light.

FAQ

How long is the 3 Locks Brewing Company guided tasting and brewery tour?

The tour lasts 1.5 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

Tickets are listed at £30 per person, which is also shown as about $33 per person.

What beers are included in the tasting?

The tour includes a guided tasting flight of 6 beers, plus a welcome beer and a final beer.

Will I get to drink beer straight from the tank?

Yes. The tour includes beer straight out of the tank as part of the experience.

Do I also get beer during the brewhouse tour?

Yes. You will drink in the brewery and have a beer in the brewhouse as part of the tour.

Is the tour suitable for children?

No. It is not suitable for children under 18.

Is the tour guided in English?

Yes. The live tour guide language is English.

Where do I check in for the tour?

Check in with the bar team at 3 Locks Brewing Company.

Are open toed shoes allowed?

No. Open toed shoes are not allowed.

Is there a free cancellation option?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.