New English Brewing

New English Brewing was established in San Diego in 2007. This location is their sole brewery and tasting room. In 2021, they redesigned and expanded the tasting room into a larger space.

The Beer

The Big Board

The Big Board on August 8, 2024

Number of Taps

  • 17
  • 29% of taps with IPAs

Signature Beer

  • Zumbar Chocolate Coffee Imperial Stout. Made with coffee from nearby boutique roaster Zumbar, this coffee stout won a gold medal at the 2015 Great American Beer Festival and a bronze medal in 2016 as well as Best in Show at the 2015 Los Angeles International Beer Competition.

What’s the Best Thing Ya Got?

  • Having tried the Zumbar, I was recommended the Explorer ESB, which had a solid malt to balance the bitterness. I was also recommended the Brewers Special Brown Ale, which won a bronze at the 2016 World Beer Cup, and the Pure & Simple IPA.

For The Couch

  • New English Brewing fills growlers and also has a cooler with can 4-packs for sale
Beer cooler with 4-packs to go, as well as shirts and hats

The Space

Indoor Capacity

  • The Barrel Room has a bar, 7 high top tables and 3 low sectional sofa sitting areas at wide COVID-conscious spacings. The neighboring Pub Room has an additional bar and seating.

Outdoor Seating

  • New English is within the Sova Science District business park and shares a large outdoor space with picnic tables, lounge seating, a fire pit, and even a shuffleboard court. The Barrel Room’s garage door opens directly onto this space, adding a lot of room to sip beer outside.

Food Service

  • New English regularly has a food truck and also has chips and soda available for purchase at the bar

Exit Through Gift Shop

  • T-shirts and hats are available

The Scene

Entertainment

  • The Barrel Room has eclectic music played at a reasonable volume and additional outdoor speakers. The different rooms have TVs for sports and a projector TV in the Barrel Room was projecting the 2024 Olympics on the wall.

Fun and Games

  • The Pub Room has two dart boards. I’m not sure if there’s a place to get shuffleboard gear for the outdoor court, or if you have to bring your own.

Babies and Bowsers

  • Kids and dogs are welcome in the Barrel Room and outdoors