One of the first London places I reviewed on ratebeer.com, back in September 2010. Have visited many times since. Many times.
One of the original craft beer bars of London. Although, in the last two years The Rake has been surpassed by no less than five other bars, in my opinion, in terms of beer variety, beer quality and certainly atmosphere.The bar itself is modest and quite small, with a slightly larger patio adjacent. Most of the people, however, stand around in a nearby parking lot drinking their beers. The tap selection was decent on my first visit, with several British bitters, American brewer Stone, and some other oddities. There seemed to be an extensive bottle selection in the fridges behind the bar but I stuck to the draught stuff. The main reason I went to the bar was for a BrewDog tasting with brewer James Watt, which was superb. We tried three rare beers, including the AB:03, the Devine Rebel Mortlach Reserve 2008, and the End of History. The tap line-up seems to change quickly - I saw two changes just while I was there on a Tuesday evening - so I look forward to returning to try new beers....
Read moreI always recommend the Rake to friends so I suppose I should do it publically as well.
The bar staff are wonderful, they know their products, but they don't take them too seriously so you never feel intimidated. They are also very quick and while the place can get quite busy for it's small size queues at the bar are always dealt with in a speedy manner.
The range of small breweries beers and ciders and the rotating menu really makes this place special - don't come expecting to find 'london pride' labelled as a 'craft ale'... You might find something love more or you might regret your choice but you can always use this as an excuse to try another pint.
The inside space is very limited but they do have a 'beer garden' space outside with seating. On weekends it can be a bit of a squeeze but you can normally find a perch on weeknights of you're quick.
The beers aren't cheap but they do have a range of price points around £5-6 being at the low end. These prices are pretty on par with similar establishments across...
Read moreThe Rake is a hidden gem for craft beer enthusiasts. It's a cozy spot tucked away in Borough Market, and if you're into craft beers, it's a must-visit.
What's great about The Rake is the fantastic rotating beer selection. They offer a diverse range of craft beer from all over the world. Whether you're into IPAs, stouts, sours, or something more unique, you're likely to find something that suits your taste.
The staff are friendly and really knows their stuff when it comes to beer. If you're not sure what to try, they're happy to offer recommendations and samples, which is a great way to explore new flavors.
The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious, making it a great place to hang out with friends, grab a drink, and enjoy some quality beer. It's not a big place, so it can get a bit crowded, but that adds to its charm. So, if you're looking for a casual spot to enjoy some craft beer in a laid-back setting, The Rake in London is a fantastic...
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