Originally, the area was occupied by butchers and slaughters, giving it the name Sleyng Lane (in 1478).

The current street name derives from a brewhouse in the location, dating from the 17th century.

Christ Church Cathedral School, associated with Christ Church Cathedral and College close to the school on the other side of St Aldate's, is located at 3 Brewer Street.

In 2010, Pembroke College began a major new development south of the main site, to which it is linked by a bridge over Brewer Street.

[7] The author Dorothy L. Sayers (1893–1957) was born at 1 Brewer Street on 13 June 1893.