As August 6th is Root Beer Float Day, we've been thinking about our favourite places to grab a root beer as well as a beer this summer, and where we'll be heading for that classic American float on the 6th. This month we're recommending drinking in London, Surrey, Leeds and Brighton. Enjoy!
The Diner, Shoreditch
Hunger strikes as we enjoy a stroll around Shoreditch which means only one thing, The Diner is calling. Heading into the authentic American diner surroundings we perch up on a bench and are greeted immediately by a very attentive waitress, today is a soft day so it’s one Dominion Root Beer and one Black Cherry soda for us whilst we wait for our burgers to arrive. The Root Beer combats the heat of the Red Hot burger perfectly while the sweetness of the Black Cherry complements the sweet cheese of the Monterey Jack Burger. We can’t recommend The Diner highly enough, whether you’re in for lunch, dinner or a quick bite, the menu, staff and environment are warm and welcoming to everyone.
The Bike Shed, Shoreditch
This unique venue is a must for all visitors to London, whether you’re a motorbike enthusiast or not, the striped back space spread across four railway arches provides a vast expanse ideal for events, live music and dining. Perched at The Bike Shed bar perusing the menu, there's a fine choice of breakfast and brunch dishes as well as classic dinner plates, but for now it’s just a super chilled bottle of Dominion Root Beer for us.
The Chicago Rib Shack, London and Leeds.
Championing the art of genuine american BBQ’ing across London “and beyond”, The Chicago Rib Shack retains a place in our hearts, and our stomachs, as one of the best rib joints we’ve ever experienced. National Root Beer Float Day is fast approaching and there is no better place to find your soda float than at a Chicago Rib Shack. Their float menu gives the option of any Dominion soda but on Saturday August 6th we’ll be enjoying Dominion Root Beer Floats along with a plate full of sensational ribs.
The Red Lion, Thames Ditton, Surrey.
Tucked away in the leafy village of Thames Ditton, just off the river Thames is gastropub-cum-wine bar-cum-craft beer hub, the Red Lion, sister venue to Woodies in Kingston Upon Thames. Upon entering the Red Lion you’re bound to be intrigued by all the upcycled furniture and decor, from a bar made out of old wooden doors to a garden wall made of lego, it’s hard not to spend most of your time looking around trying to spot a unique item of upcycled art that you’re drinking companion is yet to see. If it’s not the decor that gets you then it’s the friendly, knowledgeable staff waiting to greet you and let you take a seat before offering full table service throughout your visit. A fine menu of locally sourced seasonal dishes is available to line your stomach but, as it rightly declares on the drinks menu cover, “thirst things first”. An expansive craft beer menufull of both highly regarded and lesser known beers from across the globe. However, it’s the back page that really grabs us; a full page dedicated to Tailgate’s Peanut Butter Milk Stout, the stand out winner and a perfect partner to the desert menu laid on the table. Which arrived just in time to make us stick around for one more can, a sweet pudding and the obligatory cheese board.
The Great Eastern, Brighton
Ahead of their annual street party we paid our friends at The Great Eastern a visit to catch up, chat music and sip beer. Renowned as Brighton’s premier American whiskey bar, the guys at The Great Eastern have a broader knowledge of booze that extends far beyond the world of whiskey and are easily capable of educating even the most experienced of drinkers on the whys and wherefores of beer, wines and whiskey. They boast an exceptional range of craft beer and continuing along their American stocking policy, you’ll find Tailgate experimental brews Peanut Butter Milk Stout and Grapefruit IPA along with the full quota of Fordham beers standing proud in the pub fridges. Details of their annual street party can be found via their Facebook page, it’s sure to be one heck a knees up.
Bison Beer, Brighton
As with all trips to Brighton we had to pay a visit to our friends at Bison Beer Craft House (see Where To Drink April), we popped in to see the guys and are happy to see they have embraced the experimental and are now stocking Tailgate Peanut Butter Milk Stout. If you’re in Brighton, get yourselves down to Bison Beer Craft House for your chance to experience the sweet nuttiness of our latest import.
Cheers!