Fuller’s Brewery Shop
Fuller’s Brewery Shop is a treasure trove of excellent ales, vintage brews, stylish merchandise and exclusive seasonal gifts
I was browsing for birthday gifts in Fuller’s Brewery Shop when a dozen or so excited American ale aficionados arrived, fresh from the tasting session in the Hock Cellar that always completes the popular tour.
Clearly eager to snap up mementos, they made a beeline for the Fuller’s pub signs – full-size real ones, not reproductions – stacked along the back wall. Judging from the subsequent enthusiastic conversations, several pieces of Chiswick brewing history were about to head for a new life on the other side of the Atlantic.
Richard Fuller
Richard Fuller, Corporate Affairs Director and the sixth generation of his family to work at the brewery, smiles: ‘Whenever we remove old signs, we like to sell them in the Shop. And it’s true, they’re always in huge demand, especially with visitors from the USA. I suppose they make a fantastic talking point in British-style pubs over there.’
The Brewery Shop is located on the Fuller’s riverside site, just a few steps towards the Thames from The Mawson Arms. ‘I think many people, even those who live in Chiswick, still don’t know it’s here,’ says Richard. ‘That’s something we’d really love to change!
‘The Shop is the perfect showcase for our beers. It stocks the full range – some are also available in cask – as well as our famous Vintage Ales, the limited edition Brewer’s Reserve collection and an excellent selection of wines, spirits, Champagne and Cornish Orchard ciders.
We also have a superb choice of branded Fuller’s merchandise – polo shirts, umbrellas, retro wall signs and glassware – as well as some special seasonal offers, such as Gift Packs, London Porter Smoked Salmon and Fuller’s own delicious Christmas puddings.’
A recent, much anticipated arrival at the Shop is Fuller’s 2017 Vintage Ale. ‘Every year our Head Brewer, Georgina Young, chooses the best hops and malt and produces a bottleconditioned Vintage Ale,’ explains Richard.
‘They have fantastic keeping properties. Earlier this year we put on a tasting of all the Vintage Ales going back to the first one from 1997. They are still drinking really well and there’s a wonderful evolution of flavours.
‘If you take my advice, don’t just buy one bottle; rather, buy a case and drink a Vintage Ale every year or so and then you’ll see just how the taste has changed.’
And which, I wonder, is Richard’s own preferred Fuller’s beer? ‘The thing is, there’s one for all occasions,’ he replies ‘So, it’s very hard for me to choose a particular favourite; on a hot day, you can’t beat a nice cold Frontier, London Pride is always good, and I particularly like ESB in the evening.’
The Brewery Shop has extended opening hours during the week (until 8pm Monday to Friday and 3pm on Saturdays) and parking is not a problem. ‘We’d love everyone to come and have a look around,’ says Richard.
‘Our staff are passionate about beer and you’ll receive friendly, knowledgeable service. And you could always combine your visit with joining the brewery tour; you’ll learn more about Fuller’s history in Chiswick and how our beers are brewed and, of course, then be able take some samples home with you!’
Fuller’s Brewery
The Griffin Brewery, Chiswick Lane W4 2QB
+442089962085
TheBreweryShop.Chiswick@fullers.co.uk
https://www.fullers.co.uk
Photographs:
Alastair Hilton