Is London Pride a Real Ale?

By Alice Nichols

London Pride is a popular beer brand that has been around since 1959. It is brewed by Fuller’s, a family-owned brewery based in Chiswick, London.

London Pride is widely considered to be an iconic beer and has won numerous awards over the years. However, there has been some debate as to whether or not London Pride can be classified as a real ale.

What is real ale?
Real ale is a type of beer that undergoes a secondary fermentation process in the cask or bottle it’s served in. This process creates natural carbonation and allows the beer to develop its full flavor profile. Real ale is typically served at cellar temperature (between 11-13°C) and is often unfiltered and unpasteurized.

Is London Pride a real ale?
The short answer is yes, London Pride can be classified as a real ale. Fuller’s uses traditional brewing methods and ingredients to create their beers, including London Pride. The beer undergoes a secondary fermentation process in casks which creates natural carbonation and helps to develop the beer’s flavor.

However, some people argue that London Pride isn’t a “true” real ale because it undergoes filtration before being packaged into bottles or cans. Filtration removes any remaining yeast from the beer which can affect the flavor profile of the final product.

Despite this debate, Fuller’s continues to market London Pride as a real ale and it remains one of their most popular beers.

The history of London Pride
London Pride was first brewed in 1959 by Fuller’s head brewer at the time, Reg Drury. The beer was created to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and was named after the famous song “London Pride” by Noël Coward.

Over the years, London Pride has become synonymous with Fuller’s Brewery and has won numerous awards including World Champion Beer at the Brewing Industry International Awards in 1979 and 1995.

The taste of London Pride

London Pride is a smooth and well-balanced beer with a hint of bitterness. It has a malty and fruity aroma with notes of caramel and toffee. The beer has an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 4.1% which makes it easy to drink and perfect for a session.

Pairing London Pride with food

London Pride pairs well with a variety of foods including grilled meats, fish and chips, and sharp cheeses like cheddar or stilton. The beer’s balanced flavor profile makes it versatile enough to complement a range of dishes.

    Here are some food pairing suggestions:
  • Grilled steak or lamb chops
  • Fish and chips
  • Bangers and mash
  • Pork pie
  • The verdict on London Pride as a real ale

    While there may be some debate as to whether or not London Pride is a “true” real ale, there’s no denying that it’s a high-quality beer that has stood the test of time. Fuller’s commitment to traditional brewing methods and ingredients has resulted in a beer that is beloved by many. Whether you’re enjoying it at your local pub or cracking open a bottle at home, London Pride is definitely worth trying if you haven’t already.