Cask, SW1

15th May 2024: This place arose out of the Pimlico Tram in 2009 which I last visited for the first time – during COVID, with outdoor table service – and as I didn’t think my review was an accurate reflection of the place and as I live in the same borough eight stops away, thought a more realistic review was warranted. The interior probably hasn’t changed much, with a trendy tiled or pale herringbone parquet floor, white colour scheme with pale grey shiny tiled cladding to columns with furniture in the form of oblong or circular tables with red lino infill and tangerine studded banquettes, probably new since my last visit (see photo). Customers were locals, mixed in age and in good spirits, making for a decent atmosphere at the time of my 9.30pm visit last Monday. Beer-wise, there was the 22-tap keg array then the 10-pump palisade with a reasonable choice of styles but mainly ‘pale’ or ‘golden ales’ though with a mild, porter and stout. Aside from one beer at 5.5%, there were two at 4.5%, the remaining seven between just 3.7 and 4.0%, me going for a half of Neptune Ezili (4.0% and £2.90) served by a friendly barman; it was however, completely lacking in condition; a half of Mill Hill Vic’s Secret Stash (4.5% and £2.90) again, completely lacking in condition, both beers tasting like weak lemon barley water. This place is clearly aimed at those who prefer beer at the expense of a traditional pub experience, so perhaps the jolly customers were all on the keg. Every pub has an off-day and a couple of weeks back two halves at the Hackney Cock were unconditioned and I didn’t change my review, so I’ll give this place another shot in a few days’ time before I submit scores on the doors. 21st May 2024: A return after seven days as promised and things have certainly improved: 10 cask offerings, still all with names sounding like Prog Rock bands and their albums from the 1970s: Brid’s Cross Under the Eildon Tree at £3.10 a half and on great form; a half of Fownd Keeper of the Secrets (£2.90) and decent; mojo redux.

A modern beer exhibition pub, amply described in previous reviews. There are some 20 assorted handpump and keg taps, along with one of the most varied selection of bottles in town. On draught on this visit were Thornbridge Market Porter, Marble Mild, Siren Broken Dream, Redwood Mad Squirrel and Resolution Cosmic - particularly pleasing to have 3 dark beers available. As mentioned, the prices go up to ludicrous for the more esoteric brews, but the cask was mainly £5.40 a pint which is not out of kilter with what other pubs in the area charge for much inferior beer.