Wednesday 5th of March 2008 06:19:35 AM

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Croxley Ales opened at this location in Franklin Square in August 1992 with just 18 taps. Their focus was on British-style ales which probably explains why their sign advertises "London" even though there doesn't appear to be a London location. Croxley's heart is in London perhaps. However, I would argue that if they are serious about the London label, they should at least offer a few cask conditioned ales.

My impression of this original (now expanded) location is that while it has large selection of beers, the target audience isn't the craft beer aficionado. What you'll find on tap are a lot of very good standards, the main beers of the craft beer revolution. What's missing are those few gems that make the beer geek want to travel great distances to get that one special thing. Croxley's comes across as primarily a sports bar.

Partners Jeff Piciullo and Chris Werle opened a second location, Croxley Ales "Great American Ale House" in Rockville Center in 1994. This pub had 56 taps and focused on American microbrews.

In 1997 Piciullo and Werle expanded their original location and expanded the tap count to 70.

Then in 1998 they launched Waterzooi, a Belgian bistro, in Garden City. In 2003 they tried to expand the idea of the Belgian beer bar with Waterzooi Petite Bistro in Rockville Center, but this location was short-lived and has since closed.

In 2000 they opened Victory Oyster Bar and Smoke House with 30 taps. This restaurant is next door to Waterzooi in Garden City.

You won't find mega-swill at a Croxley's location. They refuse to serve Bud, Miller, or Coors. If people want a beer that looks similar to these mass produced beverages, they can get a pint of Croxley Blonde brewed only for Croxley's by Brooklyn Brewery.

You'll need a car to get to this location for cheap. But the street parking is limited. I took the train to New Hyde Park. From there you can catch a cab for about $10. Or if the weather is nice and you feel like walking, it's around a mile straight south on New Hyde Park Road. The neighborhood doesn't look that bad, but if you are hoofing it, you might want to go during daylight.