What inspired the British theme of Royal Docks Brewing?

The brewery was founded by Canton native John Bikis after spending several years living and working in London. During his time in England, he fell in love with the pub culture—the sense of community, the social atmosphere, and of course, the beer. Royal Docks is named after the historic docklands area of London, and combines British pub traditions with American craft brewing innovation, creating a unique "American brewpub with British inspiration" concept.

Does Royal Docks offer brewery tours?

Yes, Royal Docks offers guided brewery tours on Saturdays at 2pm and 4pm at their production facility (5646 Wales Ave NW). Tours include a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process, information about their brewing philosophy, and a guided tasting of several beers. Reservations are recommended as tours often sell out, especially during summer months and around holidays. Private tours can also be arranged for groups with advance notice.

Can I purchase Royal Docks beer to take home?

Absolutely. Royal Docks offers several to-go options. You can purchase canned beers in 4-packs or cases, including their core offerings and seasonal specialties. They also offer growler fills (64 oz) and crowler fills (32 oz cans filled and sealed on-site) of draft beers. Additionally, their beers are distributed to many grocery stores and beer shops throughout Northeast Ohio. The taproom also sells merchandise including t-shirts, glassware, and other branded items.

What inspired the British theme of Royal Docks Brewing?

The brewery was founded by Canton native John Bikis after spending several years living and working in London. During his time in England, he fell in love with the pub culture—the sense of community, the social atmosphere, and of course, the beer. Royal Docks is named after the historic docklands area of London, and combines British pub traditions with American craft brewing innovation, creating a unique "American brewpub with British inspiration" concept.

Does Royal Docks offer brewery tours?

Yes, Royal Docks offers guided brewery tours on Saturdays at 2pm and 4pm at their production facility (5646 Wales Ave NW). Tours include a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process, information about their brewing philosophy, and a guided tasting of several beers. Reservations are recommended as tours often sell out, especially during summer months and around holidays. Private tours can also be arranged for groups with advance notice.

Can I purchase Royal Docks beer to take home?

Absolutely. Royal Docks offers several to-go options. You can purchase canned beers in 4-packs or cases, including their core offerings and seasonal specialties. They also offer growler fills (64 oz) and crowler fills (32 oz cans filled and sealed on-site) of draft beers. Additionally, their beers are distributed to many grocery stores and beer shops throughout Northeast Ohio. The taproom also sells merchandise including t-shirts, glassware, and other branded items.

Royal Docks Brewing Co. | Explore Canton, Ohio

Name: Royal Docks Brewing Co.
Address: 7162 Fulton Drive NW, Canton, OH 44718, Canton, OH, US
Telephone: (330) 353-9103
Price range: $$
Rating: 4.6

Royal Docks Brewing Co. brings a distinctive British-inspired brewery experience to Canton, blending traditional English pub culture with innovative American craft brewing. This community-focused establishment offers carefully crafted beers alongside elevated pub fare in a welcoming atmosphere that honors the social heritage of British pubs while embracing the creativity of Ohio's craft beer scene.

Why It's Special

Royal Docks stands apart through its unique cultural fusion and commitment to creating a genuine community gathering place. What makes this brewery extraordinary is how it successfully translates the essence of British pub culture—the "public house" tradition of being a neighborhood's living room—into a distinctly Ohio context. The result is neither purely British nor typically American, but rather a thoughtful hybrid that takes the best elements of both beer cultures.

The brewery excels at creating an atmosphere where the beer and food support the greater mission of fostering community connections. From the communal seating that encourages conversation with neighbors to the carefully designed acoustics that allow for comfortable conversation, every aspect of the Royal Docks experience is engineered to facilitate social interaction. This authentic approach to hospitality, combined with their excellent house-brewed beers and complementary food menu, creates a "third place" between work and home where Canton residents and visitors can truly connect.

The Brews & Cuisine

Signature Beers

Backyard Crusher: American blonde ale with subtle malt sweetness and light hop character
Docks Session IPA: Hop-forward session IPA with citrus notes and moderate bitterness
Pendragon Welsh Rare Bit Porter: Robust porter with notes of chocolate and coffee
Dock Time Amber Lager: Vienna-style lager with caramel malt character and clean finish
Leatherbound Brown Ale: English-style brown ale with nutty, toffee notes

Rotating and Seasonal Beers

The innovative brewing program includes:

Hazy IPA Series: Rotating New England-style IPAs with different hop combinations
Barrel-Aged Offerings: Limited releases aged in whiskey, bourbon, and wine barrels
British-Inspired Ales: Traditional UK styles like ESB, mild, and bitter
Experimental Small Batches: Creative one-offs and brewery collaborations
Seasonal Specialties: Beers designed to complement the changing Ohio seasons

Gastropub Menu

The food program complements the beer with:

Beer-Friendly Fare: Dishes designed specifically to pair with house brews
British Pub Classics: Traditional items like fish & chips and shepherd's pie
Ohio Influences: Local ingredients and regional specialties
Shareable Items: Community-focused dishes meant for group enjoyment
House-Made Components: From sauces to pickles, items crafted in-house

Signature Dishes

Empire Fish & Chips: Beer-battered haddock with triple-cooked chips and malt vinegar aioli
Scotch Egg: Soft-boiled egg wrapped in house sausage, breaded and fried
Dock Burger: Custom blend with bacon jam, aged cheddar, and house pickles
Ploughman's Board: Selection of local cheeses, charcuterie, pickles, and beer bread
Bangers & Mash: House-made sausages with mashed potatoes and onion gravy

The Experience

Distinctive Spaces

The brewery features multiple environments:

Main Taproom: Central bar with communal and individual seating
Beer Garden: Seasonal outdoor space with communal tables
Dock Shop: Retail area for beer and merchandise to-go
Private Event Space: Dedicated room for functions and gatherings
Production Viewpoint: Glimpses of brewing operations from public areas
Dog-Friendly Patio: Outdoor space welcoming four-legged friends

Community Atmosphere

Royal Docks fosters connections through:

Communal Seating: Long tables encouraging interaction between groups
Conversation-Friendly Acoustics: Designed for comfortable dialogue
Regular Patrons Program: Recognition and benefits for frequent visitors
Staff Relationships: Team members who know regulars by name and preference
Inclusive Environment: Welcoming atmosphere for diverse clientele
Neighborhood Integration: Active participation in local community events

British-American Fusion

The cultural blend is evident in:

Decor Elements: Subtle nods to British pub traditions and London docklands
Service Style: Combining British hospitality with American friendliness
Beer Presentation: Proper glassware and serving temperatures
Food Presentation: Modern takes on traditional pub classics
Social Focus: Emphasis on the pub as a gathering place, not just a drinking establishment

Signature Events and Offerings

Regular Happenings

Trivia Nights: Weekly competitive quiz events with prizes
Tap Takeovers: Featuring guest breweries and collaborative beers
Brewery Tours: Educational experiences at the production facility
Beer Education Series: Learning sessions about brewing and beer styles
Live Music: Local artists performing in the taproom

Special Events

Annual Anniversary Celebration: Commemorating brewery milestones
Beer Release Parties: Launch events for new and seasonal brews
Beer Dinners: Multi-course paired dining experiences
Charitable Fundraisers: Community support through special events
Holiday Celebrations: Festive events for major occasions

To-Go Options

Crowler Program: 32oz cans filled on-demand from draft lines
Growler Fills: 64oz glass containers of fresh draft beer
Packaged Products: Canned and bottled offerings for retail
Beer-To-Go Bundles: Curated mixed packs for different occasions
Merchandise: Branded clothing, glassware, and accessories

When to Visit

Best Times

Weekday Happy Hour: Specials and relaxed atmosphere (4-6pm)
Saturday Afternoons: Vibrant energy with brewery tour guests
Release Days: First access to new and limited beers
Sunday Brunch: Special menu with beer pairings
Trivia Nights: Community-focused entertainment (Wednesdays)

Recommendations

Join their email list for advance notice of special releases
Consider reservations for weekend evenings
Try a flight on your first visit to sample multiple styles
Ask servers for pairing recommendations with food
Check social media for last-minute special tappings

Good to Know

Parking: Ample parking in shopping center lot
Crowler Fills: Available for most draft beers to take home
Children Policy: Family-friendly until 8pm, 21+ after
Rideshare: Recommended for those sampling multiple beers
Taster Flights: Available for sampling multiple brews

Nearby Attractions

While in the area, consider visiting:

Belden Village Mall (5-minute drive)
The Strip (7-minute drive)
Quail Hollow State Park (15-minute drive)
Pro Football Hall of Fame (15-minute drive)
Canton Arts District (20-minute drive)

Getting There

Royal Docks Brewing Co.'s Taproom & Kitchen is conveniently located in the Belden Village area of Canton on Fulton Drive NW, just off I-77. The brewery is situated in a modern shopping center with plenty of free parking. This location serves as their primary taproom and restaurant, while their production facility is located separately at 5646 Wales Avenue NW. The taproom's central location makes it easily accessible from most parts of Canton and surrounding communities.

Brewery History

Royal Docks Brewing Co. was founded in 2015 by Canton native John Bikis, who developed the concept after spending several years living and working in London. Inspired by the vibrant pub culture of the UK and the innovative craft beer movement in the US, Bikis created a brewery that would bridge these two worlds.

The brewery takes its name from the historic Royal Docks area of London, once the largest port in the world and now a revitalized urban area. This name reflects the brewery's commitment to honoring tradition while embracing progress and transformation.

Royal Docks began with a small production facility and taproom, quickly gaining a following for their approachable yet distinctive beers. As demand grew, they expanded their brewing capacity and opened their Taproom & Kitchen location in 2018, creating a full-service brewpub experience.

The brewery has garnered numerous awards for their beers, including medals at the Great American Beer Festival and recognition as one of the fastest-growing craft breweries in the United States. Despite this growth, Royal Docks maintains its commitment to quality and community, remaining independently owned and focused on creating a genuine gathering place that reflects the best of both British and American beer cultures.

Royal Docks Brewing Co.