The Beer Tourist

The Borough district of London sees a lot brewing these days. I have on several occasions praised the Utobeer market stall at the splendid Borough Market, with stuff to fill a connoisseur's wettest dreams (craft beers and good wines, I suppose), not to mention his stomach.

The nearby Brew Wharf brewpub is a recent addition to the area's attractions, and it does not disappoint unless you desire your bar brown and nicotine-stained; it is sleek and modern with three big rooms under the railway arches and a patio facing the market. I found their Best a nice surprise with its fruity and malty nose. Very bitter throughout, showing off fruity flavours as well as a very dry finish with a touch of wood. Not unusual for a (best) bitter it had a small head and was rather light-bodied.

Brew Wharf is also one of few places to find a wide range of Meantime brews, either among the 25 bottled beers or from the 7 taps of the brewpub.

That small can be beautiful should be evident for all lovers of craft beer. A couple of weeks ago the smallest bar in the British capital opened its doors, but it could well prove to be one of the best. With supplies and know-how from Utobeer and promising Thomas Hardy Ale on cask The Rake is definitely included on this beer tourist's shortlist for his next trip to London in a month's time. Situated between the Southwark Cathedral and Vinopolis/Brew Wharf in 14, Winchester Walk the bar is open every day except for Mondays and opening early on Saturdays. On Sundays it opens at noon.

With a microbar and a microbrewery Borough is certainly no dwarf in the beer world!