Hoop & Grapes, EC4

A Georgian building tucked between much more modern architecture,this is a long thin pub which has a vast double courtyard out the back which might be a reason for it's popularity after work,there is even a sports flatscreen out there. Internally the high topped bar is immediately to the right with high tables opposite,then a selection of dining type tables before a corridor with seating booths leading to the patio.There is an upstairs lounge via a staircase and a fire escape to the garden but it lacked atmosphere.The flatscreen behind the bar was off thankfully but the muzak was just too loud. However the charming barmaid offered me a CAMRA discount without me asking and the ale line up was SN Spitfire,Whitstable Bay Pale (doubled)and Northern Lights Blueberry IPA while the solitary guests was Navigation Rebel (NBSS 3.5, half £2.35 with 25p discount). This visit was saved by a decent guest but despite being in the 2020 GBG I could hardly describe this pub as a destination for real ale.It serves a purpose however.

I had been looking forward to coming to this pub, reputedly among the oldest in central London, but the reality was mundane and the service and atmosphere not at all what I was hoping to find. To be fair, we arrived just after what may well have been a busy lunchtime session, and the clearing up after this may well have been what caused several bangs and clatters. But the way the barman stopped us exploring upstairs was downright rude - it may be "normal for London", but surely most of his customers are not Londoners? We consequently felt uncomfortable when we were hoping for a relaxing drink, and the loud music didn't help in this regard. The beer, Shepherd Neame plus a guest, was in good condition but as expensive as I feared (it wasn't my turn to pay, so I don't have a note of the actual price of the Spitfire that we drank, but do recall the sharp intake of breath that accompanied the handing over of a large denomination banknote). Date of visit: 19th November 2018

Shepherd Neame pub with a narrow interior. 4 real ales on.