Rake

While I'm happy to adapt to local ways when abroad, there are some American things I'd rather not give up. To see that you carry my Anchor Steam on tap means you'll be my first early morning stop next time I visit London.

Lovely beer, but they refuse to serve people if they are too loud. So whisper your conversations after 2 beers, because the staff here are definitely precious.

13/07/12 Absolutely blinding pub. The bar is the size of a domestic lounge (with pumps) but getting served reasonably quickly is no problem. People tend to queue in lines of 4 or 5 so you are served in an orderly fashion. If its too busy in the bar area (often the case on a Fri) you can migrate to the covered decking area where there are plenty of seats. It reminds me of being at a wedding reception where after getting your drink you move to a nice relaxing area. In fact its like a marquee! I would imagine it must be terrific when the sun shines (if we ever get to that point). Only lager and bitter sold but top notch quality. The pub is run by the UTO brewery and beers can be subject to change each day. Tried the Brooklyns lager (£4.10 p per half, ABV 5.5) which was really nice, slightly fizzy and had me quivering all over with pleasure. One of the beers was green! Actually looked good but maybe another time. Cask Ale £3.60 a pt, Pilsner £4.10 a pt. Some of the beers are high ABV and are matched by higher prices. However its probably worth paying more for beers that should be relished, absorbed and treated with respect. If you fall over later that may add to the enjoyment of the evening but then again maybe not. I was recently sick with fatigue and a rasping cough but going to the Rake was the first positive step in my recovery. Would I go there again? I just did last Fri (20/07/12).

Just the most amazing andsurprising place around. Weird pub, weird beers, weird customers. Totally excellent. I really like the bar staff - they manage hotel-style service and knowledge of what they're selling and do an early 90s proper pub friendly service. If you want 5 star London trendy fashion - go elsewhere. If you want 5 star beer go to The Rake