Our Story
Under the arches since 2009
Founded by Evin O'Riordain
Evin O'Riordain's brewing passion ignited during a New York work trip, where he discovered a culture of connoisseurship and variety in American craft beer. He returned to London and launched the brewery in 2009 from a modest railway arch on Druid Street with a 6.5 hectolitre kit, focusing on small-batch production emphasizing quality.
In 2010, the operation relocated to a larger Dockley Road archway, expanding capacity to 32 hectolitres and adding bottling capabilities. The approach has always been to brew beer that is purposeful, honest, and rooted in a long-standing tradition of craftsmanship.
The focus is on hop aromas in pale beers, roasted malts in dark beers, cold fermentations in lagers, and wild yeast in mixed fermentation ales. Currently producing over 8,000 hectolitres annually.
“Pale ales, dark ales, lagers and mixed fermentation beers guided by simplicity and balance”
hl/year
Founded
Bermondsey Beer Mile Pioneer
The Kernel was a pioneer of the Bermondsey Beer Mile — a stretch of railway arches housing some of London's finest independent breweries. Opening their doors on Saturdays, they helped create a new culture of brewery taprooms in London.
We distribute direct-to-outlet, maintaining close relationships with the pubs, bars, and bottle shops that share our passion for quality beer.
Brewing History, Reimagined
Barclay Perkins
Export India Porter
Dark, roasty, heavily dry-hopped — a historic style reimagined.
Barclay Perkins
Imperial Brown Stout
Powerful and contemplative, with coffee, cocoa, and dark fruit.
Truman Brewery
Export Stout
Oily texture and dried fruit — honouring London's brewing heritage.
Our Journey
The Beginning
Evin O'Riordain launches The Kernel Brewery from a modest railway arch on Druid Street, Bermondsey, with a 6.5 hectolitre kit.
Dockley Road
The brewery relocates to a larger archway on Dockley Road, expanding capacity to 32 hectolitres and adding bottling capabilities.
Barrel-Aging & Table Beer
Introduction of barrel-aging programmes using Burgundy barrels and foeders for mixed-fermentation beers. Table Beer debuts as a 3% session ale.
Bermondsey Beer Mile
The Kernel becomes a pioneer of the Bermondsey Beer Mile — opening doors on Saturdays alongside fellow independent breweries, helping create a new culture of brewery taprooms in London.
Arch 7 Taproom & Foeder Lager
Arch 7 opens as a dedicated taproom. Introduction of our oak-fermented Foeder Lager, expanding the range with low-temperature oak fermentation.
Spa Road Opens
Our new venue at 132 Spa Rd opens — a larger space with a rotating selection of craft beers, natural wines, ciders, and soft drinks.
Yagi Izakaya
Yagi Izakaya brings Japanese comfort food to the Spa Road taproom, serving from 5pm on Wednesdays.
Sweet Sixteenth
Celebration of 16 years of The Kernel Brewery with a tap takeover featuring alumni breweries, special collaborations and rare releases.