The Cask & Glass, SW1

Dating from 1862 as the Duke of Cambridge, the pub’s one-hundredth anniversary was celebrated with the introduction of the current name. It’s cosy inside, with a rare carpet, some smoky blue paint and framed prints. The landlady here was very friendly, though the place was virtually empty, when all other local pubs were doing a good trade midweek, though there were a few friendly squaddies in, from the local Wellington Barracks in Petty France. Ales offer comprised Master Brew and Spitfire (both reversed), then Whitstable Bay and seasonal Late Red at £2.75 a half and ok. I think I’ll leave this one to the locals, civil servants and squaddies.

This small Shep Neame pub sits between the Phoenix and The Colonies and was probably my favourite of the three, although I probably didn’t see it at its best when visiting on a busy after work evening session when it was standing room only both inside and outside on the pavement. The pleasant small traditional dark wood exterior is carried on inside the small carpeted bar with a traditional wooden bar frontage and full dark wood panelling at both ends of the room. Master Brew, Spitfire, Whitstable Pale Ales and Samuel Adams Blond Ambition, Sheps seasonal collaboration with the Boston brewer, were on the four pumps.