You don't have to travel across the Atlantic to experience a traditional British-style ale.
You just need to head to Mercer Street.
Located at 211 Mercer Street in historic downtown Dripping Springs, Acopon Brewing Co. is a small local brewery with a particular interest in traditional British beer styles. The brewery was founded by Dave Niemeyer and John McIntosh and offers a relaxed place to enjoy a pint right in the center of town.
British Inspiration in the Texas Hill Country
Dripping Springs is surrounded by breweries, wineries, and distilleries, so it takes something distinctive to stand out.
For Acopon, that's its focus on British-style beer.
The brewery produces styles including English Bitter and Mild, which can be served traditionally on cask using a hand pump. Its selection isn't limited to British beers, though. Acopon has also produced American IPAs, pale ales, German lagers, seasonal beers, and other rotating styles.
Typically, visitors can find multiple beers on tap, and flights provide an easy way to sample several options.
Not a beer drinker? The taproom also offers alternatives including cider, wine, and soft drinks.
A Neighborhood Brewery
One of the ideas behind Acopon is refreshingly simple: a town should have its own local brewery.
That's especially fitting on Mercer Street.
Unlike some of the sprawling destination breweries found throughout the Hill Country, Acopon has the feel of a neighborhood gathering place.
You can sit on the patio, meet up with friends, enjoy a pint, and watch downtown Dripping Springs go by.
The brewery is also listed as pet-friendly and kid-friendly, making it approachable for different types of groups exploring downtown.
Hungry? There's Food Too
Visitors can also find The White Hart at Acopon.
The food trailer serves pub-inspired food designed to pair naturally with a brewery visit. Its presence makes it easier to settle in for a while rather than stopping only for a quick drink.
That combination of food, beer, patio space, and a walkable downtown location makes Acopon an easy addition to an afternoon on Mercer Street.
Live Music and Local Events
Like several downtown Dripping Springs businesses, Acopon also participates in the community's live-music culture.
It has repeatedly served as a venue for the Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival, joining other downtown businesses that temporarily transform their spaces into listening rooms for the event.
That involvement highlights something interesting about Mercer Street.
These businesses aren't isolated destinations. Collectively, they create much of downtown Dripping Springs' atmosphere.
During community events, the entire area can take on a different personality as visitors move between shops, restaurants, breweries, and music venues.
Explore the Rest of Mercer Street
Acopon's central location makes it easy to explore before or after your visit.
The Barber Shop is nearby, as are Mazama Coffee Co., local boutiques, shops, and other downtown destinations.
Historic Mercer Street itself is worth walking. The area was home to some of Dripping Springs' earliest businesses, and many historic storefronts remain part of the streetscape today.
It's one of the places where you can still get a glimpse of Dripping Springs' history while experiencing the community as it exists today.
Why Local Places Matter
As Dripping Springs continues to grow, locally operated places like Acopon help maintain a sense of identity.
New homes and neighborhoods may bring people to an area, but restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, stores, parks, and community events are what often turn an address into a lifestyle.
Acopon Brewing Co. offers a particularly Dripping Springs combination: traditional British beer served in a laid-back Texas Hill Country setting.
Whether you're a craft-beer enthusiast or simply looking for somewhere different to spend an afternoon downtown, it's worth adding Acopon to your Mercer Street list.
