ReviewI remember coming here when it was the Pimlico Tram. I returned shortly after it opened as the Cask, possibly in 2009 and found this to be a groundbreaking venture at the time.
As time passed, my tastes veered more towards real ale, for which there were many better pubs around London. Prices for the craft beer here far exceeded what I was willing to pay. I'm sure I've been back since 2009, but possibly only once.
Fast forward to a Friday evening in March 2022 and my tastes have ventured slightly more into the craft beer market and being in town for a show nearby, the Cask seemed like the best place locally for a few drinks. However, my taste in beer and cider is not the only thing that has changed since 2009. This time, I had my 9-year-old son with me and I noticed that the CAMRA website stated that children are only allowed until 5pm.
Arriving just before 5pm, I did enquire about children and was met with a quizzical look from the barman. There didn't seem to be any limit in reality. As such, with a burger and a few lemonades, I doubt very much that anybody noticed his presence in the corner!
We arrived to find a fairly quiet bar. It's much more modern looking than in its Pimlico Tram days. The single barman was very knowledgeable and helpful with my beer selection. He was also pro-actively warning customers of any high prices for each of the beers, which was much appreciated, as whilst I don't mind trying some of the latest craft beers, prices can still be quite a shock.
6 cask ales were available. It appeared that they must have had some kind of Fyne Ales takeover at some point. 3 of their ales were on - Highlander, I Am A Mountain & I Am The Sea were all on, with a 4th clip (possibly Avalanche) turned round. Other cask ales were Acorn Barnsley Bitter & Old Moor Porter & Salopian Mellon Dream.
The craft beer range still dominates here. If you can't find something unusual you haven't tried on draft, you're sure to find something in bottles in the fridges. On the pumps were Westbrook Mexican Cake (which went off before I could try it), Barrier Money, Mure Rullquin, Overtone Emerald Shore, Brick Redcurrant & Blackberry Sour, Burning Sky West Coast Blues, Orbit Dead Wax, Yonder Upside Down, Mondo Dennis Hopp'r, Old Street Infinite Bliss & Rothaus Wheat Beer. The fizzy cider was Lilley's Star Gazer.
With 3 rounds and 3 burgers, I'd soon spent £100. But I quite enjoyed the different beers I had, some of which were in double percentages, and the burger was actually reasonable value by London standards.
Whilst we were there, the pub began to fill up dramatically. By the time we were ready to leave, all tables were taken and it was standing room only. Extra staff had appeared to help the original barman, keeping up their efficiency of service. At the same time, the atmosphere grew, making the evening a very pleasurable experience.
All in all, it proved to be a good way of preparing me for the prospect of a musical at the nearby Apollo Theatre. I doubt I'll leave it so long before paying a return visit next time.
