The Steam Engine, Lambeth, SE1

A pretty unremarkable pub with three handpumps but all unclipped, the keg consisted of second division craft plus a couple of premium lagers. The Rap music was a little loud. This ones not for me.

This place dates from the mid-19th century, but I suspect it was rebuilt in the late ‘20s or early ‘30s. Of late, it’s become part of the six-venue PubLove chain, specialising in beds for backpackers and burgers, boasting of being home to the ‘Juicy Bastard’, served from an open kitchen. The interior seems to match the three previous reviews, being a place that’s been subjected to a trendy but tasteful makeover, with predictable motifs such as smoky blue paint, floral wallpaper, spun metal lampshades, potted palms, bare brick and tubular steel elements to the bar and a young, studenty crowd, many of whom were playing board games, all to a Donna Summer/Giorgio Moroder soundtrack. The cask selection amounted to Big Hug Brewing’s Pave the Way and Sambrook’s Pumphouse at £2.70 a half, served by an indifferent barman, lacking in condition and a bit warm; the beer that is. This place is ok, certainly better than the Flowers of the Forest and making for an interesting double with the Pineapple at the end of the street.

Official site of The Steam Engine - www.publove.co.uk

Official site of The Steam Engine - www.publove.co.uk

The interior remains as described by others, below.  It felt a bit studenty, but apart from the constant banging of the side door and regular barging by a drunk couple of idiots it was reasonably comfortable.  The staff were functional, harmless and inoffensive.  There were 8 craft beers on but only one ale on draft – Sambrook’s Pumphouse IPA – which was in very good condition and went down rather well.  I’d be happy to come back and include in a crawl. 

Craft burgers are the flavour of the month at the Steam Engine which was devoid of custom and any atmosphere when I visited the Thursday evening before Christmas. This is historically one of the busiest pub days of the year so this pub’s peers all had a healthy crowd in attendance. Maybe the depressing music was keeping people away, or maybe it is because this place feels more like a diner than a pub. Craft beers and five hand pumps are supported by the bar which was being manned by an aloof member of staff. I’m not one for staying long in worryingly empty pubs so I knocked back my half and was glad to leave.