Since 1210 lions have continuously lived in London. The Lion Tower now lies in ruins at the Tower of London but for centuries it was alive with the roars of great cats, howls of wolves and screeches of huge eagles. An elephant from the holy land returned with crusaders and a polar bear was gifted by the king of Norway and allowed to fish in the Thames. Gifts from kings, sultans and emperors, the heraldic creatures delighted and horrified the populace who would bring dogs and cats to feed to the beasts.

Another relic of a different age is the London Brown Porter. This light but characterful porter is brewed with a restrained selection of British malts and hopped with Bramling Cross. The beer opens with notes of dark rye bread and burnt toffee with chocolate and blackberry jam joining as the beer warms. A touch of roast on the back of palate leads to a dry and moreish finish.