Hop aboard: Take a cruise on London’s new beer boat

Crate Brewery has taken over a classic canal boat which sits on the River Lea right outside its brewery bar in Hackney Wick, and turned it into the capital’s first craft beer cruiser.

Named The Alfred Leroy after a famous 70s pub landlord and boat operator, it will take drinkers on regular two-hour mini cruises down the river every weekend throughout the spring and summer.

It will travel past the Olympic Stadium and up to Tottenham Lock, passing Springfield Park and Warwick Reservoir before making its return to the brewery.

While on board, passengers will be able to enjoy Crate’s range of beers — including lager, golden pale, IPA, best and best stout — alongside its own-made cider and kombucha, a fermented tea drink which can be sipped straight or spiked with booze and a range of cocktails.

It will also serve food in the form of charcuterie, Neal’s Yard cheeses and local breads from E5 Bakehouse.

Two hour cruises cost £40 per person, including a charcuterie and cheese board and two cocktails.

From Monday to Friday the boat will be moored outside the brewery where it will offer extra drinking space, and it is also available to be booked for private functions.