The Pelican, W11

Official site of The Italian Job - www.thepelicanw11.com

Official site of The Italian Job - www.thepelicanw11.com

Craft beer bar with a bit of a twist since it does actually have some Italian beer... I found 13 of the 14 taps in use, with a diverse selection in a range of styles, from which I went for the 'house' (Birrifico del Ducato) Amber, a decent but expensive pint at £5.95. It also has a couple of handpumps, but only one was in use and that was drawing a cider. Apart from the beer, it has a stripped-out 'L'-shaped bar with a limited number of small tables plus a lounge-like bit near the main (disused?) fireplace and a restaurant down three steps in a side room.

Has been open two years and proclaims itself as the UK's first Italian Craft Beer Pub. The oddly sparse interior is, inevitably, all blue and white. No ale though there are two pumps, one of which was offering Sandfords cider. Of the 14 lines, 6 were Italian, dispensing Birrificio and Ducatot beers. My Birrificio Pilsner was clean and crisp and £3.30 for a half which for a genuine niche import in London is respectable. Also check out the fridge for a few other Italian items. Staffed by friendly Italians who offered advice to non-regulars and would enquire - in a non-contrived way - how things were when they passed and were also willing to take you up on conversation if you gifted more than a two word response. I quite liked it as something a bit different and also well-run into the bargain. Give it a try.