HOPIQ FACEOFF
THE HOPIQ TAKE
Both from the same brewery — Fuller's in Chiswick — and the comparison is basically about what Fuller's do at two different levels of commitment. London Pride is the session bitter: 4.7%, approachable, an honest pub beer you can drink three of without consequence. Fuller's ESB is the serious one: 5.5%, more malt, more hops, more everything. ESB actually won CAMRA's Champion Beer of Britain three times. If you want to understand why Fuller's has the reputation it does, ESB is the answer. If you want to just sit in a pub and drink well, London Pride is the answer.
SIDE BY SIDE
| Fuller's London Pride | Fuller's ESB | |
| ABV | 4.7% | 5.5% |
| IBU | 35 | 35 |
| Colour | Amber, SRM 12 | Deep amber, SRM 14 |
| Style | English Bitter | Extra Special Bitter |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
WHEN TO CHOOSE WHICH
Pick Fuller's London Pride when…
- →Long pub session — 4.7% means you can appreciate more of it
- →Entry point to British bitter — approachable and lovable
- →Lunch pairing — lighter body won't overwhelm midday food
- →You want a proper pint without having to think about it
Pick Fuller's ESB when…
- →Slow evening drinking where you want something to think about
- →Fuller's ESB has won CAMRA Champion Beer three times — drink the award winner
- →Food pairing with roast meats, game, strong cheese
- →You want to taste what makes Fuller's the most respected brewery in London
WHAT IT TASTES OF
Both beers
STRUCTURE — HOW IT'S BUILT
TASTING NOTES
SIMILARITY SCORE
56%
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between Fuller's London Pride and Fuller's ESB?
Both are from Fuller's brewery in Chiswick, London. London Pride (4.7% ABV) is a balanced, sessionable English bitter — malt-forward with toffee and biscuit notes and a clean hop finish. Fuller's ESB (5.5% ABV, Extra Special Bitter) is stronger, richer and more complex — more orange marmalade character, fuller body and a more pronounced hop bitterness. ESB is the more ambitious beer; Pride is the everyday classic.
What does ESB mean in beer?
ESB stands for Extra Special Bitter — an English ale style stronger and more flavourful than a standard bitter. Fuller's ESB is widely credited with establishing and defining the ESB style internationally. It was first brewed in 1971 and has won more medals at the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Champion Beer of Britain competition than any other beer.
Is Fuller's still an independent brewery?
Fuller's brewing operations were acquired by Asahi in 2019 for £250 million. The Fuller's pub estate remains separately owned by the Fuller, Smith & Turner company. The beers continue to be brewed at the historic Chiswick brewery, though under Asahi ownership.
Is London Pride a real ale?
Yes. Fuller's London Pride is available as a cask-conditioned real ale in Fuller's pubs and many UK pubs, as well as in filtered, pasteurised bottled and canned formats. The cask version, served at cellar temperature with natural carbonation, is considered the definitive way to drink it.