Pillars Brewery

The smell hits you first - that proper yeasty, hoppy aroma that tells you you're in the right place. Pillars Brewery sits just outside Chingford and does exactly what a craft brewery should: makes excellent beer and lets you taste it straight from the source. You can expect to see the brewing process, learn what separates a decent pale ale from a mediocre one, and walk away with a few cans or bottles that actually justify the price tag.

It's not a massive operation, which is precisely why it works. The team know their stuff and aren't trying to be something they're not. Whether you're into beer or just fancy a look around with a tasting, it's a worthwhile afternoon stop. Allow two to three hours if you're doing a full tour and sampling session.

For families with older kids who don't mind a bit of industrial noise and talk of fermentation, it could work. Younger children will find it dull pretty quickly. Admission details aren't confirmed online, so ring ahead - most breweries charge a small fee that usually includes a tasting.

If you're camping nearby at Lee Valley or staying at one of the caravan parks in Edmonton or Sewardstone, this makes a decent day trip. It's close enough to reach without hassle but far enough from central London to feel like proper countryside. The visitor centres at Lee Valley Country Park are good for families, but if you want something with actual substance and a decent drink at the end of it, Pillars does the job.