After a long road trip, you’ve finally reached Shimla’s bustling Old Bus Stand. Jackets zipped up and beanies snug around your head, you disembark and take a deep breath of the fresh mountain air. To reach the iconic Mall Road, you have two choices: take the Lift for Mall Road or leg it. Excited, you chose the latter. However, the thin mountain air has you tired quickly and you’ve worked up a thirst. “It would be nice to have a nice cold beer now,” you probably think.
If you’re like us and are in this situation, there’s some good news! Over the last few years, Shimla has become a popular destination among cafe lovers and alcohol enthusiasts. With all the young crowd traveling to the city, handcrafted beers and fruit wines full of Himachali ingredients have taken the spotlight. So, if you’re in Shimla, want some good beer, and are interested in exploring the story behind beer making, make sure you visit some of the best breweries in Shimla.
6 Best Breweries In Shimla
1. Shimla Brewing Company
2. Cafe Shimla Times
3. The Brew Estate
4. SoI The Brew House
5. Solan Brewery
6. Pyramid Microbrewery
1. Shimla Brewing Company
As you stroll along the famous Mall Road, a mural of Himachali monkeys is sure to catch your eye and draw you in. Shimla Brewing Company may be one of the newer microbreweries in Shimla, but its choicest beers and vibe have made it popular among tourists.
While the interiors of Shimla Brewing Company are stylishly contemporary, what’s particularly amazing is their outdoor seating. With swings and mesh flooring that practically keeps you suspended in the air, sipping the craft beers of SBC is an incomparable experience. Of course, you also get a stunning view of the valley. On the other hand, if you’re a party person, SBC can be your go-to place too! ‘Stop Thinking and Start Drinking’ – this is what Shimla Brewing Company implores you to do!
We can’t talk about Shimla Brewing Company without mentioning its star attraction: the microbrewery. Combine the expertise of brewers and imported ingredients from Belgium and Germany, you get some of the best craft beers in Shimla. The Wit-ty Monkey, Shimla In-Cider, and The Blonde Queen are some of their specials. So, be it a group plan or a solo trip, enjoy the 180-degree view of the city from the bar and chug the freshly brewed in-house beer.
Timings: 1:30 pm to 11:30 pm
Address: Mall Road, Near High Court, Shimla
Also Read: 7 Best Places To Try Craft Beer In India
2. Cafe Simla Times
When you look up the best cafes in Shimla online, Cafe Simla Times might appear in the top 5, and for good reason too! Comfy European-inspired decor that’s pure Instagram material, a mesmerizing view, and an expansive food menu – what more can you ask for? Perhaps some good beer. Well, this Cafe has got you covered on that front too!
Just below the cafe is its microbrewery which creates some great beers like Ginger Ales and Bora Bora Brew. Fancy a smoke? The first floor has a hookah lounge too. Think good music goes well with beer? Visit Cafe Simla Times in the evening and you may be serenaded by soothing live music. If you ask us, this is the place you have to visit to end your Shimla trip on a high note.
But did you know that it has a microbrewery too? A bistro on the premises of the famous Hotel Willow Banks has a bakery, bar, and brewery all in the same place. It is an Instagram-friendly bar that serves amazing food and handcrafted beer like Ginger Ale beer and Bora Bora Brew, to name a few. So, Instagram pictures or freshly brewed beer, choose your priority, and act accordingly.
Timings: 1:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Address: Hotel Willow Banks Premises, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
3. The Brew Estate
Having a nice cold beer in the chilling winters of Shimla might seem like an odd choice. However, when you’re at The Brew Estate, you’d be sorely tempted to do just that! The Brew Estate is the first microbrewery in Himachal Pradesh. Unsurprisingly, it’s super popular. Having a vibrant ambience and a great bar, The Brew Estate is one of the most visited places by alcohol loyalists. The microbrewery here is particularly popular for its signature beers – Red Ale, Belgian Wit, and Hefeweizen Wheat Ale.
If you’re freezing and want to warm up, The Brew Estate has mulled wine, bourbon toddy, and rum mule. Still cold? Go the extra mile and down a Flaming Lamborghini cocktail! For all the curious crowd out there, you can take a quick tour of the brewery and learn the art of beer brewing. Suffice to say, The Brew Estate is sure to give you the complete microbrewery experience in Shimla.
Timings: 11 am to 11:30 pm
Address: Christ Church, The Ridge, Lakkar Bazar, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001
Also Read: Famous Beers Around The World
4. Sol The Brew House
Sol The Brew House is a lounge by day and a club by night. Whether you want to sit and have a conversation or dance your night out, this place goes well with every occasion. It is yet another brewery that serves in-house beer along with multi-cuisine specials. Get your hands on the in-house brewed beer like German Lager, Belgian Wit, Apple Cider, and many more.
Talking about the specialities of Sol, handcrafted beers like Big Bumb Chumb and The Sol Cider are the biggest hits. So, when you want to drink like a fish, make sure you find yourself in this swanky brew house.
Timings: 1 pm to 12 am
Address: 5th Floor, Hotel Combermere, Mall Road, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Also Read: What Is Craft Beer? Your Ultimate Guide
5. Solan Brewery
Alright, this location isn’t exactly in Shimla but quite close. Just about 45 km before you reach Shimla via Chandigarh, you’ll be crossing a town called Solan. If you love beer and history, we’ll urge you to halt here! After all, this town has the oldest brewery in all of India.
Now known as Mohan Meakin Ltd (of the Old Monk fame), Solan Brewery was founded by Edward Dyer. Recall this name from history textbooks? They are not the same people, however, but the infamous Colonel Dyer is Edward’s son.
This brewery is located in the midst of scenic views of Solan Valley. Along with handcrafted beers like Golden Eagle Lager, Wheat Ale, and Lion Beer, you can get whiskies, rums, and brandies here. If you’re interested in how the brewery works, you can definitely watch it first-hand! Just make sure that you get the necessary permits from the authorities in Shimla or Chandigarh.
Timings: 7 am to 7 pm
Address: Solan Brewery, Solan, Himachal Pradesh
Also Read: 6 Best Bars And Pubs In Shimla
6. Pyramid Microbrewery
Located amidst the busy streets of The Mall Road is one the most-visited microbreweries in Shimla. Along with the handcrafted beers, they are known to have the biggest bar collection in the city. At Pyramid Microbrewery, you can even get coffee in the day and your favorite alcohol brands in the night.
It has an exquisite bar with a live band and an electrifying atmosphere that keeps your spirits high. When it comes to chugging beer, you get the usual options like Kingfisher, Heineken, and Miller Ace along with their freshly brewed ones. So, be it day or night, make sure you visit this place whenever you’re in Shimla.
Timings: 11 am to 10:30 pm
Address: Bridge View Regency, Road, Mall Road, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Summing Up
Already feel like visiting Shimla, don’t you? Same here. But, instead of choosing the most visited places, why don’t you explore Shimla through the eyes of beer lovers? If you decide to do so, start by exploring some of the best breweries here. All you have to do is take a stroll along Mall Road, and you’ll come across most of the microbreweries there!
FAQs
Does Shimla Have A Nightlife?
With all the exquisite pubs located around Mall Road, Shimla offers a great nightlife experience. If you’re traveling to Shimla for the first time, make sure you see this side of the city as well.
Which Is The Oldest Brewery In India?
The Solan Brewery, now known as Mohan Meakin Ltd, is the oldest brewery in India. Founded by Edward Dyer in 1855, this brewery produces all types of spirits including beers, wines, whiskies, and many more.
Which Is The Oldest Beer In India?
Golden Eagle was the first beer brand created in 1855 by Dyer Breweries Ltd.
What Is The Tax On Alcohol In Shimla?
For the financial year 2023-24, you’ll have to pay a cess of INR 17 per bottle of alcohol. So, alcohol can be relatively expensive in Himachal Pradesh.
