Mr Lawrence Wine Merchant, Crofton Park SE4

I discovered Mr Lawrence too late - I've only been going there a few months now, and as has been widely publicised recently, they are set to close their off license and continue trading as mail order only.

Whilst their focus is primarily their grand selection of wine, 'they have become a must-visit for South East London's growing legion of beer geeks'¹. I discovered Beavertown, Moor and the scarily tasty Magic Rock here, their Kernels are the best priced in the capital (better even than the brewery itself somehow - I think because they were the first off license in London to agree to stock it?) and the proprietors themselves have been nothing but friendly, chatty, knowledgeable and accommodating.

Every cloud has a silver lining though - They're continuing to trade via mail order, focussing initially on London based breweries, with Kernel, Beavertown and potentially Partizan amongst those offered (for pick up or delivery), and also, quite excitingly, the owners want the premises to be given over (subject to the local council granting change of use) to a micro-brewer who intends to brew on site and run a bar selling the beers!

I'll miss being let in through the security gate, browsing the wood panelled shop and chatting to the congenial owners, but I look forward to continuing to make my mini-missions on the No. 122 down to Crofton Park to pick up my fortnightly supply of quality London ales!

¹The Craft Beer App: http://craftbeerlondon.bluecrowmedia.com/