Alytus

On the High Road through Leyton, this is a European food store with a fair selection of brews from the east of the continent, mostly in fridges on the left after you enter.

Alytus is a small East European grocery store. The fridge and shelves by the door have a reasonable range of bottles. It’s not worth a special visit in my view but it’s worth popping in if you’re in the area (it’s just a few doors down from the King William IV / Brodie’s) and want a few pale lager ticks. (Visited 18 April 2014).

Ever tried a latvian cider? Want to? This is the place. Unassuming eastern european food store that happens to be kvass heaven. Maybe 30-40 truly arcane beers on offer at really low prices, including at least 10-12 kvasses. The selection seems to be mostly from Latvia and the surrounding region. The lady behind the counter was pretty humored by my close inspection of their range of kvass. I’m pretty sure she wanted me to slip her my number, but I refrained because I’m a gentleman. Prices are insanely cheap. Overall, definitely worth a stop in. The High Road stretching from Lea Bridge Road down to Leyton is a rich vein of Eastern European markets and shops. If even one tenth of these stores carries a selection like Alytus’, then we may be looking at the greatest concentration of kvasses in western Europe. I’m genuinely excited about this.

Right, so if you want to talk about hidden gems in London, this place should be at the top of the list. I’ve found loads of outrageously random Eastern European beers in here - and kvass! The selection is pale lager-heavy, though there are a few dark beers to be found - and kvass! Prices are very good, and the service essentially non-existent, which is fine with me. I’m guessing the lady at the counter is pretty weirded out by the random guy poring over their cheap beer selection, and she probably figures it’s best to just let him be. This shop is a one-minute walk from William IV, so if you’re in the area pop in here - and kvass!