There is no more iconic store in London than the high-end Harrods, one of the poshest department stores on the planet. Of course, a store this fancy has to have its own beer (and a full line-up of private label wines, and I'll attest, the thirteen pound white Burgundy is excellent). Here is a picture of the beer brewed specially for Harrods, which even has its own fancy flip-top:
I found it unfortunate and disappointing that a quintessential symbol of Britain would not select an English brewer to brew its house beer. Instead, Harrods looked to Continental Europe, and its 1849 Premium Lager is brewed by Hofmark Brauerei, a German brewer. Harrods, obviously, has to leave the United Kingdom for its house Burgundies and Rieslings, but for beer Harrods needs to stay home. Britain has a strong brewing heritage and a growing craft beer presence, so Harrods would have no shortage willing potential local brewers, although the home grown beer would probably be an ale, not a lager. Come to think of it, a cask ale engine would be perfect next to the meat pie display case in Harrods' magnificent Food Hall.
As a beer, 1849 was very good. I found it a crisp, complex lager with a sharp bite to it, and one of the better lagers I can remember.
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