Pints and Passports: My Journey Through Beer and Beyond

As I sit here in my cosy Essex-based flat on a stinking hot day, sipping a refreshing glass of Steeplechase Pale Ale by Round Corner Brewing and reflecting on the incredible journey that brought me here, I realise how much my love for solo travel and craft beer have intertwined over the years. What started as a simple curiosity about local brews over ten years ago has now evolved into a passion that’s taken me across the globe—from the bustling streets of London to the charming breweries of Belgium, the serene landscapes of New Zealand, and the welcoming pubs of Sweden and more.

When I first arrived in London, the looming tall buildings felt like a daunting maze of crowded streets and endless possibilities. However, I fell in love with the city immediately. But as with any adventure, the best way to tackle it is one step at a time—or, in my case, one pint at a time. With its hidden craft beer gems, London fuelled the flame I had firmly established long before. However, it was the starting point of a journey that has expanded far beyond my wildest dreams. Let me give you a little glimpse into my past years’ travels, which aren’t just limited to these experiences, but these are the moments that have stood out for me.

Last year, my travels took me to Belgium, renowned for its rich beer culture. Antwerp and Ypres offered a glimpse into the artistry of Belgian brewing, where centuries-old traditions meet modern creativity. In Antwerp, I wandered through cobblestone streets, finding specialist craft beer pubs that served everything from robust Trappist ales to delicate lambics. These menus were pages long, like a catalogue of information and exciting new beers. Ypres took me there for more personal reasons, where I got to explore the countryside by bike and pay my respects to my great great uncle who died in the war; alongside this humbling experience, I was greeted by the kindness of locals when I shared my story, whilst sipping on a well-rounded pint at the ‘Brothers in Arms’ Museum and memorial pub. I thoroughly enjoy the local beers; each sip reminds me of the region’s resilience and spirit. I felt deeply connected to Ypres during my stay, and as a solo traveller, I felt safe the whole time as I quietly sipped fantastic beers, wrote down my stories and had time to sit and be – one of my favourite attributes of solo travel. I found the sizes of beers varied and tended to be smaller due to the higher alcohol content of some of these beers. One beer that stands out as the most memorable beer is ‘Paix Dieu’, which was a very smooth and flavoursome triple for its 10% abv; whilst savouring the taste of this spectacular beer, I enjoyed learning that it is only ever brewed when there is a full moon to hold onto traditional brewing techniques of Belgium abbey beers.

Belgium taught me that beer is more than just a drink; it reflects where it’s made, a liquid narrative of culture and tradition. As a solo traveller, these moments of discovery became deeply personal, a way to connect with the world around me, one glass at a time.

Returning to New Zealand for Christmas was a heartwarming experience, and of course, I made time to indulge and explore the local craft beer scene alongside my dad. One of my holiday traditions is visiting the picturesque beach town of Raglan to see the sea and soak up some sun while exploring the local beers. The highlight was enjoying a couple of Raglan beers from Workshop Brewing Limited at the lovely Orca restaurant with a spectacular view of the water. I am always so blown away by how beautiful New Zealand is every time I return home for a visit. There’s also something special about drinking a beer brewed so close to where you grew up, surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of home.

New Zealand’s craft beer scene is vibrant and innovative, with brewers constantly producing beer full of excellent flavours. The laid-back atmosphere and the stunning natural beauty make every pint feel like a celebration of life’s simple pleasures. It’s in these moments, surrounded by the landscapes, that shaped me, and I truly appreciate the joy of being able to travel – experiencing the world on my own terms, yet always finding a piece of home wherever I go. I left New Zealand with a filled soul, heart and a few kg heavier from all the fantastic food and beer, as well as a suitcase filled with memories and beer.

Sweden was another stop on my beer journey, with Gothenburg standing out as a particularly memorable destination. While Stockholm offered a variety of great craft beers, I found Gothenburg surprised me with all it had to offer. It felt like the heart of Sweden’s craft beer scene, and my mind and taste buds were opened to the many great beers Sweden had to offer. The people were incredibly friendly, and it was only a short time before I found myself deep in conversation with locals and other like-minded travellers at a pub, sharing stories and tasting the best of Swedish brews together.

There’s something about the Scandinavian approach to living and brewing that resonates with me. The beers were clean and crisp in flavour, and it seems the craft beer scene is thriving. Exploring Sweden as a solo traveller allowed me to fully immerse myself in the experience, meeting new people and creating connections that allowed me to open a door into the Swedish culture.

As I continue to explore the UK’s craft beer scene, from the Bermondsey Beer Mile in London to Northdown Brewery Margate, I’m reminded of how far my journey has taken me. Each new destination, whether it is a bustling city or a quiet town, offers a unique perspective on what makes craft beer so special and a place where I feel I will always belong. I find the craft beer scene incredibly friendly, and passionate staff are always happy to take the time to discuss the different elements and tastes of the beer. It’s not just about the drink itself but the experiences and connections that come with it.

A little sneak peek at my most recent trip was to the luscious land of Canada, Where I mainly spent my time exploring the beautiful mountain areas of Whistler, Banff, Abbotsford and more; there is so much to cover about beer, solo road trips and scenery that It deserves its own post.

So, here’s to the road ahead, to the pints yet to be poured and to the endless opportunities and possibilities that solo travel and craft beer have to offer. Wherever you are and whatever life has in store for you, may your journey be filled with good company, great beer and unforgettable memories.

You only have one life, so make every beer count!