please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Well deserved 5 stars for food hygiene.
https://www.scoresonthedoors.org.uk/business/the-hope-carshalton-708767.html
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Great to see The Hope as a 4 star food hygiene rating from their inspection on August 2020.
Note: A rating of 1 is automatic for just a single error in paperwork/records. A food hygiene rating of 2 is more worrying - you get that when there are real hygiene issues.
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A pub with a brilliant well kept beers but a pity about the hygiene rating which
is only 1. There has to be a serious fail by the management to allow it to
slide to the lowest rating by The Foods Standard Agency. This cannot be blamed
on the current building work as the inspection was carried out on the 1st
December 2017 and there is no excuse for it and the management should
accept responsibility.
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Always busy, no matter the day or time of day. Good mixed clientele. Excellent beer, enough of a range without being too many on offer. Service always friendly. Beware the couple on Wednesdays to drive the punters bonkers by playing sea shanties, with her use of the recorder particularly grating
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Congratulations to the Staff, Managers, Customers and shareholders on gaining another "London Pub of the Year" award...
http://benviveur.blogspot.co.uk/2017/09/bv-london-pub-of-year-2016-17-results.html
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I haven't been in the Dog and Bull for at least two years and i had a swifty in the Oval in June that hardly makes me a Croydon drunk!I have been to the Sultan for instance sixteen times since the start of June, I certainly do not frequent Croydon's pubs much at all!
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I couldn't quite catch that could we have it a third time.At least we know the pie topping was Welded on.You always get an ancient old fart on here who keeps his finger on the button for multiple postings....we have a winner.
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Fozzy and slerpy, please be constructive - it's bad enough having to put up with the gibberish computer geeks put on - let's try and keep the site to the purpose it was created for.
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Well thanks for that Sloppy. Why dont you take your Camra and photograph a few pies.
I'll take your missies out and show her a good time in Epsom.
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I'm only about 10 miles from Carshalton.
These pies sound great. Do they have any minced beef pies?.
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Thanks slerpy. It's not just me then.
And what ever does he mean by the "texture" of a pie? Is he fumbling about for the word "consistency" perhaps? I've never come across a hessian-covered, or a woodchip wallpaper-wrapped pork pie, but there's always a first time I suppose.
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Can anyone interpret that last mess of a post,the Rosetta Stone was easy by comparison.I think he /she was pie-eyed in charge of a keyboard.
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In my experience the pies sell out evey night (as good pies akways will) so there's no issue with stale pies. I've been eating room temperature pies in rhe Hope for months and in pubs elsewhere in the country for decades without ill effect. Of course they need to be fresh but telling a pie eater to eat refrigerated pies is likr telling a real ale drinker to drink chilled beer. Enough said?
PS can the country hunter pie tonight (pork had sold out). Absolutely excellent
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How long are those pork pies to be kept there at room temperature, then? If you're happy to eat them after a fortnight, well, good luck with that.
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Good pork pies in the south of England areas rare as hen's teeth The Hope is to be congratulated in finding such an excellent supplier. Worth going for the pies alone never mind the beer.
Also, as any pie connoisseur knows, pork pies should be serviced at room temperature not straight from the fridge (which ruins the texture and the taste). Please keep them where they are on the bar, don't hide them away in the fridge.
PS - the beer is good too, there's a good ambiance and I have always found the staff very friendly.
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Slowly some of the early problems with this pub have been sorted, they now serve two cheap beers and the foul smell has gone. there are other problems arising though,the £100 parking fine for regulars who forget to mention their licence plate details when ordering their first drink.The manner in which customers are spoken to can leave a lot to be desired, I have heard it but personally I do nothing to irk the staff.The garden is quite nice though not up to the standards of the nearby Sun.The pork pie range should be kept in the fridge and not left to sweat and warm up on the bar. Overall,it is a decent pub but not good enough to win an award and not super,smashing great as the shareholders who get a dividend would like us to think.I prefer most of the Craft outlets and the Cask,The Crown &Anchor in Brixton, The Trafalgar at South Wimbledon and the Euston Tap all better on beer quality and the last one is better on price.The Sultan in South Wimbledon is also superior on beer quality and price.rating upped.
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Well, droggs, don't stay to the end or you'll be really bellowed at by the manager, a wannabe drill sergeant, something I haven't heard in any pub for yonks. And don't forget to key in your car reg on the little device on the bar or you'll be fined £100 by the car park's administrators to whom the pub has outsourced the problem.
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Never been to The Hope and have never even been near to Carshalton. However on this website this pub has the best advertising you could ever hope for. Haters and Defenders.
There are not many pubs that have 4 or 5 reviews a week.
I think I will need to give it a visit and give a hopefully unbiased report of this pub.
Maybe even meet some of the reviewers.
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Yes - slerpy's post was unusual!
About a different pub - in another county - on The Hope page.
Mental issues, these days - sadly.
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Yes - slerpy's post was unusual!
About a different pub - in another county - on The Hope page.
Mental issues, these days - sadly.
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Brilliant pub. Excellent staff. Amazing beers.
Plus... now that there is controlled parking that stops non-customers from abusing the car park, customers can actually park there because it isn't full of cars from the school or people chopping in Carshalton etc.
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Now old slerpy posts about another pub - on the Hope page!
Drunk or dementia?
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Last weekend I encountered the real thing,A real community local that has been a pub for over a century with locals who do not have to look over their shoulder in fear that they might upset the over zealous amateur bar staff or invoke a fine for parking in the pub that they call their local.They are never treated like second class citizens merely because they chose not to be a shareholder.The pub was the Queens Head in Gosport going there exposed the artificiality/pretentiousness that exists in the Hope. It was only concerned with Real ale no Key Keg no Craft no tins just handpumps pouring real ale at the right temperature not creating a bubble fountain as the staff do In the Hope,what a pleasant experience.
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You're not wrong, charlie.
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Slerpy, you really are a twat
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................K0536006 Is clearly out to show us the good manners and type of drinkers that use the Hope, his word power is so limited that he resorts to F*** off. I don't have to comment beyond that we have found a sub species driven by Ignorance,stupidity and bigotry and they drink here.He doesn't deny shareholder status.
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The management do not seem to realise that my post (Aug 11) is not a criticism but a warning to potential customers that the system, however well advertised, is going to catch some people out being the only pub I have ever known where this system is used. Apparently my great sin is not going through the management first. They must be joking; it's a pub FFS, not a workplace or a school etc. They think they're running a private club and there is a sense of amateurish self-importance.
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Sleepy. I have no idea who you are. Furthermore, I do not care either.
You seem to hate this place. If that is the case, why don't you just fuck off and leave the place to the people who like it; have the brains to be able to use the massively advertised parking system; and appreciate the people who put their money up to save a below average pubs and turn it into into the amazing pub it has become.
Don't bother having a got at me; accusing me of being part of the management or being a shareholder etc., because I won't take your purple troll bait.
Long may this place prosper!
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So that's how to get all the awards, coerce the customers not to criticise the pub in anyway. 6857, do the staff wear black and strut around a bit?I think it is time to contact CAMRA at St.Albans H.Q. and let them know exactly how strong this Community feeling goes.The draconian parking fine of £100 is not in the spirit of a convivial community pub,the company Parking Eye at least is honest enough to have a name reminiscent of 1984 (George Orwell).
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On 11 Aug I posted a warning about the car parking system which could catch some people out. I was told tonight by the manager that unless I remove this "criticism" as he called it my own fine ( from an "offence" on 19 July) will not be rescinded and furthermore I will be barred. The pub does not pay the fine but it costs them £10 to rescind it and there have been quite a number of cases where regulars have simply forgotten to clock in. I get the feeling that the pub is somewhat embarrassed by this business.
My post of Aug 11 stands and will not be removed. The Hope cannot cope with any criticism whatever and now appears to be unable even to accept a publicised warning containing nothing but the straightforward but uncomfortable truth.
They've just lost a customer.
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Some of the shareholders are really worried some of the pro claims here are sheer farce,nothing is perfect everything needs to improve to keep pace with consumer tastes and the competition this out break of claims of "perfection" sounds creepy rather like a religious sect.
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Why knock something that has obviously had so much hard work and effort put into it? The car parking situation makes perfect sense and it is quite simple. You park your car in the car park and upon entering the pub punch your number plate into the contraption on the bar. Thus avoiding said fine. I'm looking forward to my Sunday lunchtime drink this weekend. Why? Because it is a wonderful place to while away a few hours with some exceptionally kept and interesting beers, exceptional bar staff and fantastic atmosphere. I am yet to try The Trafalgar but I am very much looking forward to it.
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A regular who's only ever posted critically about this pub, and whose anti stance was explained by management some time ago: quite simply, he won't leave when he's legally required to. He also told us himself some time ago that he believed he was barred. Some regular. If the pub wants to keep its parking for patrons only, who but a troll should disagree?
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The most perfect pub at a £100 a fine for a regular to park his car it must be sheer heaven on earth.What a good lot of share holders barely ever a dividend and blind faith a fool and their money are soon parted and they seem a bit short changed over the Trafalgar!
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Quite simply the most perfect pub. Fantastic and ever changing range of beers on draft and some absolute gems in the fridge. Food offerings are simple and very well priced but the focus quite rightly is on the beer. Faultless.
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6857, This cannot be true the Hope so I'm regularly Informed is a utopian pub that cannot possibly do any wrong.Is it possible that they would operate a wide boy style Parking scam ? Just like the warm beer bet your life. They also over charge by miles on the silly strong beers,recently £3 for a third of a pint for a Locale beer from Brodies.Obviously like the proverbial child I am the only one who sees what's going on, the King has no clothes on.I know that the Community hippies and anti 'spoons brigade will tell 6857 that he should happily pay his £100 fine as the Hope is always judged as right in all matters. Most Wetherspoons are cleaner,do not do cellophane wrapped food left out to get overly warm and charge reasonable prices and above all have a cooler in the cellar.
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The Hope has a car park but there's a trick. You have to enter your car's registration number in a little machine on the bar. Failure to do so will result in a £100 fine from the car park's administrators, Parking Eye. This has just happened to me even though I'm a regular and I am not at all amused. It's easy enough to forget what with all the distractions. I may have to try somewhere less risky but it won't be as good as The Hope.
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I love this place. Best beer in the area and the staff are brilliant.
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This is the Beer pub to visit in South London. If your looking for somewhere to impress your friends or your a beer monster yourself, Congratulations you have found it!
Simple food options, but who wants a slap up meal with the range and quality of the beer here?
Suprise suprise, it does get busy!
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Slerpy is nothing but a nasty little troll. He keeps visiting pubs he doesn't like so that he can write unpleasant things about them.
This is a very good pub and has a great atmosphere as well as great beer. Does it matter that some older people enjoy it? Of course not.
Slerpy should just stick to peeling oranges in his pocket.
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Slerpy Old Boy, you need to get a life. If you dislike the Hope so much why do
you patronise it. There are several other pubs in Carshalton so why don't
you do us a favour and give them a try. Your remarks regarding the Hope
as being akin to God's waiting room is ageist and incorrect. A very successful
pub which seems to irk you, do us a favour and "slerp" elsewhere.
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Slerpy seems to have a bugbear about this place. Been coming here for ages. Friendly staff, well kept beer and plenty of variety, constantly changing guest beers. Always hard to get a seat as it's popular. Always surprises me I can get through the door with my 60 inch waist and walking stick.
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A great beer festival last weekend if you support Alcoholics Anonymous,you guessed it NO BEER,someone chipped in well,they are a victim of their own success,NO not really they have been running a pub for sometime now and should be capable of judging how much ale will be required,very poor and rather stupid to turn away trade.The resemblance to an Old Folks Home is quite striking,a 60 inch waist and a walking stick or two seem to be compulsory. I'm sure we will hear from the next door neighbour some silly excuse such as the barrels got blown away in the storm.It is not just the meals that have gone to pot.0/10
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A great pub - well run doing very good beer. Long may it continue. Long may you run. Etc etc.
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Great little pub just round the corner form Carshalton station. Continually changing selection of local beers plus some from other parts of the country. The pumps are round the end of the bar, but a handy list is chalked up by the entrance. There's also a hire-able room out the back.
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It has just been announced that The Hope has been awarded "London Pub Of The Year 2016" by the Society for Preservation of Beers The Wood, a real ale group that pre-dates CAMRA. (The name is historic – They are concerned with quality of what is dispensed, not the material of the container).
Congratulations to all the staff, managers, directors, shareholders and, most importantly of all, the customers, on this achievement.
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Fully agree with slerpy. Always best to leave your sense of humor at home when visiting the Hope.
Have never been in The Sun but will give it a try.
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The beers are always on the warm side. The Pub is a haven for those ekeing out that last bit of pension before the next payment,anyone under 85 years of age is looked at as if to say "Your definitely in the wrong pub", this makes for an uneasy atmosphere The two house beers are very uninspiring. Any criticisms are met by the fact that they are only amateurs-that is painfully obvious.The nearby Sun does better food, better beer and has a warm friendly greeting why bother visiting this mess.3/10.
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Was in here recently and was shocked to find that Crudgingtons "Old Fart" special bitter, dispensed from a barrel fitted with special brass gimbles was unavaiable!!!!
Any afficianado of Private Eye's "Great Bores of Today" will understand.
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This is very much a real ale pub. The regulars have almost certainly been drinking the real stuff since before the bar staff were born - though the youngsters in question were enthusiastic and probably quite knowledgeable. It is a very nice pub is the Hope with many good beers and a connection with the local community though I despair of the future for local communities in somewhere so obviously well heeled. I hope (aha!) they come through it.
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CAMRA Sutton & Croydon Pub Of The Year 2015.
Well done to all the staff on retaining the title of Local Pub of the Year. It is thoroughly deserved.
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The smoked porter they had on last night was amazing.
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Hmmm. I really should have liked this place. Great range of well-kept beer. Good and reasonably-priced basic food: no poncery. Open fire. No recorded music. Co-operative community venture. And yet, I didn't feel at all at ease:I think it's all just TOO much of a CAMRA cliche: not a woman in the place, more hair on chins than on the middle-aged heads therein, all worshipping so solemnly at the cult of Al-e. There's a morris -dancing poster FFS. All that was missing was a steam railway out back. I'm a real-ale loving middle-aged bloke but even I felt (and was, I think, silently meant to feel) unworthy to be in such a company of well-acquainted bores. Pity. Don't let me dissuade you from going but I 'll go somewhere more mainstream and less painfully self-conscious next time.
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This place is a pub in a million. Proper old-fashioned surroundings, board games and books stacked neatly along the shelves, folk music evenings, real ale festivals. To say the proprietors were absolute legends when it comes to expertise and the selection of real ales would be a huge understatement. The range of European bottled beers is the biggest I've seen in any pub ...and then there is "PC" the cat :-)
Well worth the eight mile journey I make to go there each week.
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Can only say after his hatchet job for you can't say review, we hopefully won't be seeing the apparently at odds with everyone else on the site greentoby..........which must be a great relief for all concerned.
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This is without doubt the best pub in the area. Owned by a group of the regulars so run by real ale drinkers for real ale drinkers .... I would challenge anyone to find a better kept cellar! The oddball crowd is part of the pubs charm, nobody is excluded, all are welcome. No TV, no muzak, no game machines, just a proper traditional pub.
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Really odd place. Bad service with no professionalism. Regulars served before anyone else. Rude and slow staff. Beer always seem in the 10% range, which is fine if liver damage is your thing! Entering the pub feels like entering the pub in American werewolf in London. It is a woman free zone. You seem to have to have a beard to be made welcome. Full of regulars who were odd clothes and celebrate occult/pagan festivals and rites. Great - if that's your thing. Best avoided.
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Glad to see various quaffers on here clearly enjoying the wares at The Hope. I've happily become gradually more acquanited with it courtesy of a chum who happens to live nearby, and each time it impresses with its cask range, and quality of dispense/conditioning. The Windsor & Eton and Downton 'staples' are always splendid back-stops but adventurous as these would be in nearby venues, they're the 'obvious' options here: numerous wonderful brews particularly from the south of England, and even some more worthy keg choices too (unacceptably prices but not the pub's fault I fear).
It's otherwise a cosy, if a little ragged in places, community local with no pretence, and while I sometimes feel older regulars bridling at the influx of younger non-regulars, all are welcome by the very accommodating staff.
The fest in late February was a corker, with even more zesty flavours being dispensed in the covered area in the garden.
Not a fault-free establishment, but show me one that is! If you love well-kept diverse beers, this is the current mecca in S London.
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I went here with a group including my son who recommended we visit here for the first time. Well it won't be the last for sure. A delightful pub with friendly regulars and staff together with a classy beer selection of Windsor &Eton Knight Of The Garter and Downton New Forest Ale both in superb condition. One of the group mentioned (my son in law) this was the best Knight Of The Garter he had ever tasted and he's had some practice! These superb beers are regular features here I was advised. Also Kent Brewery Altered States was available together with Brodies Sunshine (ithink) and Magic Rock Cannonball amongst others. As we all got here from St.Albans on groupsaver rate....we'll be back. I really recommend a visit here and there are ciders and lagers available from Belgium and Germany. Little wonder this pub is rated so highly.I didn't get to look in beer fridge but a bottle of un haman cannonball was purchased by one of us. Lastly they even had Magic Rock Highwire on.
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not been in hope for a couple of years,but wow,nice extension and garden.very much enjoyed the crouch vale citra.amazing to think that I once walked into this place 10 years ago and it was one of the worst places ive visited with no beer on.just shows what you can do with hard work and getting great beer in.well done hope ,can see why it get so busy.
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friendly pub with good quality ales, plenty of different styles for everyone's taste. Proper lager as well, not Mortlake's finest "Australian" fizz. Didnt have the food pots, but they looked very good.
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Started drinking here two years ago after becoming disaffected with the Woodman. No regrets whatsover! Great ales, great food and friendly staff as well. No sky and no music either. Throw in a monthly beer festival with a varying selection af ales and they've got it sussed! Plus they have they're own pubcat.
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After a couple of good pints in The Sun we wandered around to the The Hope.
Being a football night and with Dulwich Hamlet in "town" the pub was busy with a mix of football fans and locals. Nice friendly bar staff, who are obviously very knowledgeable and into their "beers".
Traditional pub with lots of beer pump clips plastered over the walls and timbers, also a decent collection of jugs hanging above the serving area behind the bar.
8 beers on tap of which both of the pints I had were not that great..these were Brodie's, Bethnal Green Bitter @ 4% & Downton Brewery New Forest Ale @ 3.8%. There were 4 of us in our round and the 3 drinking pints all remarked that the quality was pretty dire. Maybe we choose the wrong beer but with 3 different ales in a total of 6 pints you would think most would be good quality.
There were also a decent selection of craft lagers, beers and European Ales in the fridge.
Maybe I expected more of The Hope but I must say the quality of the ales disappointed me. Decent pub, friendly locals but indifferent beer.
The Sun is the winner out of the 2 for me.
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Visited today. The Kent Porter was amazing.
Still can't get over the excellent rolls they sell on the bar - lovely crusty rolls with top quality fillings and only £1.50 each ! Pot meals, made on the premises are astounding too - for about a fiver.
Knowledgeable and friendly staff.
Gents loos need a bit of a refurbishment, and at times is is a bit too busy, but everything else about the place is brilliant.
All the awards they have had are totally deserved.
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As previously stated the Hope is averse to any criticism. I rest my case.
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Top pub. Top beer. Great beer. Wonderful staff. Friendly customers.
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Just been judging the pubs in Croydon for the local CAMRA pub of the year. Just kept thinking, even in the best pubs, "Very good, but not anywhere near as good as the Hope".
The Hope is how pubs should be.
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Awesome pub. The beer just gets better and better. The way a pub should be. Brilliant staff and customers. It was a national finalist ( so top 4 in the country ) in CAMRA national pub of the year - well deserved too !
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I DO AGREE 6857 WITH YOUR COMMENTS WITH REGARD TO ANY CRITICISM
WITH REGARD TO THE HOPE. I THINK THEY SHOULD LISTEN TO THEIR CUSTOMERS
MORE. THEY ARE OBVIOUSLY DOING MANY THINGS RIGHT BUT THERE IS MUCH THAT COULD BE DONE WITH REGARD TO CERTAIN ASPECTS OF THE PUB WHICH WOULD MUCH IMPROVE IT.
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This pub needs a personnel officer to veto the appointment of one or two of the bar staff. Enjoy the beer but don't fall in love with the place and above all don't criticise it - that's something they simply can't cope with, so far up their own arses are they, this clique.
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Excellent pub with a great choice of beers and ciders with good service and knowledge. The pub could definitely do with a "spruce up", the inside decor
for example. The foregoing lets the pub down and it certainly has no kerb appeal and I think much could be done to improve it's appearance.
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Now this is what a 'local' pub is all about. Fine ales and good food served alongside an ever moving crowd of eclectic locals!! Only thing letting it down is that the real ciders aren't being chilled. But I'm sure that someone's working on a solution. Looking forward as always to my next visit!
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Lovely pub, great beer, great people. Well done Roger, Rowan and the team!
Cheers!
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Oh you lucky people of Carshalton! The Hope is an all time great.
Well done to Rowan and all the staff who have made this pub the success it is. Fantastic beer! Good food and a friendly bunch of locals. Friday afternoons are hilarious!
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Fantastic - best pub in Carshalton. Exceptional, well kept beers and the new garden area really helps. I just wish it was nearer my house!
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Congratulations to all the Staff, Shareholders and Customers on being awarded Greater London Pub Of The Year 2013 by CAMRA.
This is the first time EVER that a pub has retained this prestigious award.
It is highly deserved. The staff and owners have greatly improved the Hope since a year ago - when they were awarded London POTY 2012 - with a very high quality extension being built on the rear, the garden completely refurbished, improved food and outstanding, ever changing selections of beers (of all sytles) and ciders.
Well deserved all round.
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Visited on Saturday afternoon for the 'Summer Wind' beer festival. I think the Brodie's stout gave me the summer wind, but the 6% IPA from the London Brewers' Alliance was very nice.
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Visited saturday 20/7/13. Tried Dark Star Darkness, Kent Pale, Surrey Hills Shere Drop, W&E Knight of the Garter and Whitstable Oyster Stout. All were very good and the Oyster Stout was excellent. Friendly staff and locals.
Deserves the many awards received.
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A miracle in the making.
The recent additions make this popular pub more comfortable for the crowds of real ale fans who flock here. Good to see key keg beer on the bar.
Wonderful in an understated way.
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The Hope won't please those who want artificially produced lagers, Sky sports, wine-bar decor, glitzy transience, corporate branding, and mass-produced beers.
If, however, your idea of the perfect pub is understated elegant simplicity, superbly served real ales, enough quiet to hold an intelligent conversation with other adults, and a tranquil relaxing place to unwind after a hectic day, this is it. The Pressed Rat And Warthog was tippety-tip-top.
But don't go there. I'd rather it remained quiet!
Cheers,
AR
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I have a problem with this pub! it's leaving it!
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Great pub this. Been going here on and off for a while now. Like what they've done to the garden - much better - and looks like it'll be good for the summer - if it ever comes ! Excellent 7 beers each time I've been and really good staff too.
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A huge selection of well kept ales, well priced food, knowledgeable staff, friendly locals, a great atmosphere, impromptu acoustic music, no TV or fruit machines or 'piped' music. A pub which is really going places thanks to the community run aspect and the constant ongoing improvements - simply the best pub for miles around.
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A splendid pub. Great ales. Surprisingly good cooked meals for under £6 and plenty of space at the back of the pub when they have a beer festival.
I also love the fact that it is a cooperatively owned pub in the age of pubcos.
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Finally got around to visiting the Hope for the first time on Sunday and I was impressed. Some of the nonsense I'd read on here did concern me slightly. But any concerns were soon dispelled. This was the best of 15 pubs I tried in Brixton, Carshalton, Wallington and Sutton on Sunday. It's got plenty of atmosphere, serves both the local community and visitors like myself, has friendly staff, is very cosy and most importantly stocks a good range of ales and ciders (plus a perry). The pumpclips scattered all around testify to this last facet. Beers on during my visit were Binghams Doodle Stout, Brodies Kiwi, Crouch Vale Amarillo, Kent KGB, Saltaire Cream Stout, Downton New Forest Ale & Windsor & Eton Knight of the Garter. The 2 ciders were Gwatkin Stoke Red & Broadoak Moonshine. Perry was Bee Sting. There's also a good range of different keg beers and a decent bottled selection. To receive the CAMRA Greater London pub of the year award, it must be doing something right. I can thoroughly endorse this place and whilst I don't rate it as the best pub in London (I can think of 2 or 3 better), it is certainly up there and I will definitely be back at some point. Keep up the excellent work.
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Our next beer festival "Born to be Mild" will feature 6 milds, weak and strong, light and dark. Plus many other beers. Starts Thursday 23rd May at noon, runs until Saturday. All properly cooled out in our marquee.
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Only been here once, as I live in the Channel Islands. However I seem to spend most of my time and money in Camra pubs over here and make a point to visiting as many as possible when in the UK. I also brew as much beer at home as time will allow. I went to the Hope on a recommendation when I got stuck in the UK with the snow on 12th March. I took the train down and found the pub next door to the station...result ! I found the staff to be friendly and certainly very knowledgeable about their beer. Over the course of 7/8 hours I meandered through most of the range starting from the mild and golden up to the rip-snorting finale served thankfully in a half glass (I think...may have been a wine glass...at c.10% was pretty plastered by then). However, they humoured me well, kept me fed and helped me look up the last train and make it back on time. It sounds like I simply went down to get sloshed, however I was only going for a flying visit to kill an empty day....once inside though, it was simply too cosy, comfortable and well stocked to leave in a hurry. There are some real characters, all of whom seemed happy to have a chat. Outside smoking area/garden is coming on a treat and I wish the locals, staff and owners every success. Put it on your list for a visit, I'll be back for sure.
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This pub is a delightful reminder of how things used to be. The ale choices are fantastic, the staff friendly and the homemade rolls and pot meals lovely. Great to visit a place with such a drinking choice and it helps that the staff are knowledgable about what they are serving.
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Was sorry that I was only able to visit on Thursday evening of the beer festival last weekend - grand selection of ales - and the improved garden area was really good. Looking forward to the next festival, although there does always appear to be a good selection of beers on at the Hope, festival or not.
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I visited for lunch, a significant detour from East Surrey to see if it lived up to the review on "Craft Beer London". I was probably expecting to be unimpressed. How wrong I was. I was bowled over by the prices, the range of beers, and the quality of the food. The bar staff were friendly and knew their beer. It's in my top 10.
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The bollocking mentioned in my previous post was administered by the barman and one other in full public view as people were leaving. Also, as I was ordering I was told in no uncertain terms (by the same barman) that I had 37 minutes to drink that and get out. Such charm. With just a few minutes to spare I had downed the drink and placed the glass on the bar, as I do every time though admit to sometimes being a bit slow to actually leave.
The actual reason for the public bollocking was because I had not gone through the proper channels (the manager) with my earlier complaint about the general shoutiness and bellowing. So, beefyboy, you're playing with fire. Ask permission!
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beefyboy's comments are interesting, given his previous favourable reviews. (I don't know who he is, BTW). That's two who have put pen to paper but there are more widespread rumblings amongst customers.
Tonight I was lectured by two bar staff on the crime of posting my criticism of a few days ago. I can do without that, as anyone could. It was rather like being back in school, with prefects and spies everywhere This has happened before, a few years ago, with comments I made *outside* the pub but overheard by one of the prefects and he went and told Miss. It's that sort of place. From the exchanges I'd say I was now barred, which simplifies matters.
Enjoy the beer but watch your lip. You're a guest, not a member, in a very exclusive and self-absorbed club. What a shame; I used to be rather in love with the place.
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*Speaking as the licensee*
6857, we have spoken about this issue before. You seem to take a juvenile delight in being 'the last person in the pub' Every time you are still in ANY pub more than 30 minutes after closing time you are breaking the law and putting the Personal License of the person in charge at risk. As you rarely arrive at The Hope more than 5 minutes before closing time I fail to see how you can fairly comment on the demeanour of the staff. The manager who raised his voice to you gets up for work at 6am and there's certainly no "lock-in piss-up's" after hours.
I'm not saying the staff are perfect, especially at the end of a long shift, but customers need to behave reasonably too.
From a more general point of view, polite, efficient service comes first, being happy is a bonus when we have the time ;)
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I quite agree with the comments made by 6857.One of the main attractions of the pub was that it was welcoming and friendly and this sort of behaviour does not enhance the reputation of the pub. I seriously think that some the bar staff need training in customer relations. The Hope is an excellent pub with many advantages but it is let down by some of the bar staff, and I think it is time for the management to step in to address this problem before it is too late.
If the bar staff are not happy why are they working in the Hope.
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Practically everything about this pub is good but there are a few staff problems which become apparent if you stay to the end. A few days ago a friend had her drink (about a quarter of a glass) snatched from the table with the bad-tempered remark that "We're closed". She was quite upset, and who wouldn't be. A simple "Drink up, please" would have been quite sufficient but to be fair I should mention that a director (they're everywhere!) did apologise pretty quickly which calmed things down enough. But it makes you wonder.
Tonight, as I was more or less in the process of leaving I was bellowed at to get out as they "wanted to lock the place up". This sergeant-majorish command probably saved them less than 30 seconds and was quite unnecessary and despite the beer and conversation I left with a slightly nasty taste in my mouth. It gave one the distinct impression they'd had enough of bloody customers and wanted to get on with a lock-in piss-up, which maybe an unfair assessment but again, one wonders.
Not all staff members actually seem to enjoy working in a pub and one or two find it very difficult to smile. This is a personnel issue and as a regular and basically a great enthusiast for the place I'd say it was worth addressing.
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For ales and civilised conversation (that need not necessarily involve football) this really is the stand out pub in the area. Only gripe is that it's sometimes difficult to see the selection of ales through the backs of people sat at the beer engine end of the bar. Otherwise the good Lord himself made this place for a tasty sup and a decent chat. At this point I'll confess to drinking 'cooking lager' everywhere else I go, reserving the pleasure of real ale solely for the Hope. Can we have the Brodies germanb wheat beer back again please?
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Any CAMRA members who havn't yet visited must make this a must on the travels of south London. With 7 real ales and 3 riders, how can you avoid a visit!
It simply is the stand out pub in the area.
Good work, keep it up :)
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This pub is one of the best around, the beer is excellent,a couple pint of good beer for lunch.Looking forward to beer fest
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I wonder why some of you have to resort to such vulgar language when posting comments. It is completely unnecessary and shows a very limited vocabulary
and little intelligence on behalf of the writer. It does not enhance the reputation of the Hope. I do wonder what someone viewing for the first time would think when reading these comments. If you care so much about the Hope
why do you make such derogatory comments. It is an excellent pub which is going places and really does not need such negative comments, so lay off you mindless trolls!
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Music sessions on 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, All welcome.
'White Rabbit' Beer fest starts Thursday 28th March 2013
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George...sorry, Slerpy; if you don't like the pub , fuck off you irritating little shit !
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19th Jan. great day the Slerps last post, I have been told his head is now so big he can`t retrieve from his own backside,what a shame.
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Ha, the infamous internet Troll "Slerpy", he has been thrown out of more pubs than I've had pints of beer, you will often see him with wet trousers sat in a corner, pretending he spilled his beer when he has really wee'd himself. Ignore him and he will go away for at least a year, he never has anything constructive to say and knows nothing of real ales. And, he smells of poo.
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Just a small piece of constructive crticism for the attention of Uncle Slerpy.
There is no letter 'z' in the word REALISE.
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Why don't you all stop bitching and enjoy the pub for what it has to offer. I agree it is not perfect, but it has a lot to offer.
Please do not resport to personal insults, this is not what reviews are intended for. I suggest you all get a life and stop trading insults and acting like spoilt children. I have one criticism, too many uncontrolled children in the bar area which spoils what should be an adult environment.
If you do not like the pub vote with your feet and your wallet. Could we please only have constructive criticism.
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Great beer, knowledgeable staff, simple food, and blessedly quiet - free from juke-box, muzak TV and fruit machines.
I wish it was closer to my home.
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The little man in his dark world`s off calling people names again, nappy change him someone he`s starting to "Honk".
Be appy !
anonymous - 21 Jan 2013 16:45 |
Anyone rereading my posts would readily accept that my choice NOT to entertain an exchange of views with posters who have less than twenty posts was in order to avoid wasting time on "put up" posters, i'e. friends and workers who are asked by a pub to say how great their pub is, as I had answered your previous post you were obviously excluded as my approach was Intended for FUTURE cases. I will refrain from calling you a DICKHEAD as you yourself established that several posts ago, the monotonous........" classic, classic" post concerning the Royal Standard was proof indeed ( Martin used to be rather fussy over the type of customer that he served, now that he is preoccupied with his Wandsworth enterprise things seem to be slipping) .
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You did mention Hophead you dickhead, on January 7th, just five days before denying it!! Re-read your post and see if you can find it!
But as you contradict yourself in writing within hours, it's hardly any wonder that you make a fool of yourself each time you come on.
Anyway another thing you promised on January 7th was "I'll only respond to reviewers who have written twenty reviews or more In future", something else you forgot about two days later! I've not got 20 posts either so see if you can manage not to bother replying to me!
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I never mentioned Hophead but IT has been on since the date mentioned, I knew like every TROLL that you would show yourself up and threaten violence. You have misquoted me so many times but that is what Trolls do so it was very much expected.
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A couple of decent pints of stout on the way back from the West Country yesterday, bit on the pricey side (keeping up with the Sun?) but quality excellent as usual.
I see that nutter Slerpy has been at it again, one of the hard men of the Internet who throws abuse at everyone from the safety of his front room. I did laugh though to see that between the morning and the evening of Jan 7th the customers had gone from "extremely friendly and very welcoming, certainly not clique" to "a place where people tend to stare at non -regulars". Our Troll also seems to think the pub still serves Hophead which I havent seen in here since about 2010! Maybe he'll announce himself next time he calls by and repeat his abuse face to face, perhaps he'll get a bit more than a stare from the 'certain types', bouncers/thugs and the 'Roly bloke' behind the bar(!)
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Moanetony, I did not say that you could be bought at all, please re-read, I used a question mark ( ?) . I will answer your question, In the early days of Sussana Godden . I thought the pub came a long way in a short space of time, she was slightly reserved/ shy with new customers but she had a nice way about her,I thought that the trajectory of the Pub would be upward, continuing to build on a decent start. For whatever reason she and Emma left. The atmosphere changed and it is now a place where people tend to stare at non -regulars, the pub does attract a certain type and Is not universally appealing. I also thought that a cooling system ( which is not needed except in very hot weather) would be an obvious step. The prices are rather on the high side In my opinion. If I am in Carshalton browsing the Antique shops I use the Sun which I slightly( prompt service, very expensive) prefer and have a pint in the Hope, as I have already said the stand out feature of the Hope is the beer selection. Clearly others think much more of the pub than I do, they are welcome to their opinion, as I am to mine. If I pop In this year( a few times) and things change I'll review again and tell it as I find it.
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Slerpy – your bitterness must keep you awake at night. I might be the neighbour, but based on the figures you reported, you were more a local to that pub than me last year.
As a neighbour, I protect my biggest interest…the environment I live in. As such, I look at things quite objectively, so take offence that you seem to think I can be bought off for a couple of pints and a sausage roll.
My question remains unanswered…why do you drink in a pub that you have nothing but contempt for?
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I'm expecting a glowing review from the Postman, Newspaper Boy, Binman and a few close relations now! Thanks for the laugh! I'll only respond to reviewers who have written twenty reviews or more In future , not to " put up" jobs by friends ,family, neighbours hangers-on etc.
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Moaneytony, .....You are the next door Neighbour......., As the neighbour, I would like to point out the problem with the drains was more likely to have been the result of the 'old crew' sabotaging the drains when the pub changed hands.
I can only reinforce what many have people have said about the great turnaround the pub has acheived. The punters are extremely friendly and very welcoming, certainly not clique as seen in many pubs. The choice of ales is generally very good although it still baffles me why people would want to drink Hophead!!!
All things considered, the staff have done really well under difficult circumstances over the last 12 or so months. Apart from that Roly bloke who needs to get a shave and put a belt on.VERY neighbourly of you but obviously bias, are you bribed with free food like Nevits or free beer? We have now hit the bottom of the barrel ! That's the irony you wanted!
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Wow Slerpy, following your comment, and I quote "As usual Beerwulf does not let the facts get in the way of a chance to have a childish "dig" or three", you really should be careful you don't get beaten with your own irony stick
For a pub you find so many faults with and clearly despise, why the hell do you put any money over the counter? You clearly hate it so why not vote with your pocket.
A happy new year to you, with the emphasis on 'happy'
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Steve 75. Ah ! We now have an Internet Troll. Your thoughtless and childish post Is not worthy of comment. .Your efforts are very poor Indeed, please try harder The Royal Standard deserves better than this mess..................................................................................................................A Croydon classic, in a classic Croydon location (underneath the flyover and adjacent a multi car park!)
Don't be put off though, it's a great backstreet local with relaible Fullers beers
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Slerpy, of course you are entitled to your ‘democratic’ views, no-one denied that, but who is going to take you seriously? I have found the Hope well worth its CAMRA London award: it was voted on by a panel of judges from each London branch and scored against a defined set of criteria. Your alternative, which appears to be letting all the CAMRA membership vote would be a lottery, as Beerwulf says.
As for your constructive criticism’, first you wade in talking about ‘bouncers’ implying they were throwing their weight around, having not apparently seen or heard them yourself. Then you denigrate the pub with constructive stuff like "Dad's Army", “…such an amateur venture”, “S.N.A F.U.”, “Nursing Home! 3/10.”. For goodness sake!! And into the bargain you are personally abusive to other posters who get the better of you in argument.
I don’t know if you’re a youngster, if so maybe I could forgive your immaturity, but don’t you think it’s time you grew up, or failing that, stayed away?
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As usual Beerwulf does not let the facts get in the way of a chance to have a childish "dig" or three. I believe ticketing on the two days Involved is necessary, my point is that for SIXTY-SEVEN people to somehow fail to read the notices and turn up is absolutely jaw dropping! It is up to the keen amateurs that are trying to run this place to Investigate why and put a better system in place, better,larger signage, signage put up earlier and bar staff encouraged to Inform customers . I went to the Hope on eight occasions during 2012, for me it is an awkward journey but frequently enough that I'm allowed an opinion in a democratic country.The outstanding thing for me about the Hope is the well selected beer range, on the odd occasion the beer has been very good but the lack of a cooling system lets the place down in Summer and entering the pub I did find it a tad smelly on the right hand side. This pub has great potential but customers such as Beerwulf are a put off to most sane people. As a Married man ,I do look for a pub that my wife would enjoy, not a consideration for Beerwulf or ever likely to be. The London Pub of the Year is selected by less than 00.0001% . I do NOT live in Croydon ! I think most people other than the myopic would see that my posts are constructive criticism. I'm actually leaving for the Claret in Addiscombe,a pub that Beerwulf particularly dislikes and I rather like, we simply cannot all have the SAME taste, what a boring world that would be!
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Well, don't forget that Slerpy didn't see a 'thug' or a 'bouncer' on the door either, he's just recycling someone else's nonsense as he appears to have a grudge against the pub. as someone who uses the pub regularly as opposed to once a year, I would say that beer quality is nearly always between very good and excellent.
As for opening up Pub of the Year voting to the whole membership, I suggest Slepry that now you're in a very deep hole of puerility you stop digging: this would mean allowing the 99.5%+ of voters who have never set foot in any given pub to exercise their prejudice/ignorance and add it to yours, and come up with a totally meaningless result! I think maybe it's you that needs that nursing home you're fantasising about? Meanwhile, why bother coming across from Croydon to sample the warm beer even once a year? I doubt you'll be missed, frankly!
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Having been in the Hope on many occasions now I can fully understand why a ticket only policy is in place for Christmas and New Years eve.
I asked for and was given tickets for both of these nights without question or any request for payment and had a very enjoyable evening on both nights, the person on the door acted with both courtesy and politeness when I arrived and later whenever I passed him, at no time did I see a thug or a heavy handed bouncer on the door and the suggestion that he was either is defamatory in the extreme.
On both evenings I and everybody I spoke to who was in the Hope had a very good night with very good beer and a very nice buffet provided free by the pub, thank you very much to The Hope management.
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Beerwulf, You've taken an awful lot of time to answer what I haven't said. Re-read my post and come back with something ON TOPIC (We certainly have lost the bouncer). You would be better off hawking your silly books to anyone daft enough to buy one. Try to remember that other people are actually allowed a point of view. On my last visit the Hope clearly didn't have a cooling system (yes It was one of the hot days, we did not have many) and the beer was fairly poor. Sadly CAMRA does not open up the London Pub Of the Yea voting to the whole membership( Internet voting en masse) just twelve people judge the winner so the awarding of the London Pub of the Year means next to nothing. I will try the Hope again this year but it is not something that I particularly look forward to, a warm expensive pint In a pub with an atmosphere akin to a Nursing Home! 3/10.
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Slerpy, your comments are absurd; they would hardly stand up in a primary school playground. Not being a regular user of the pub you have no idea what you're talking about. Everyone except you realises that Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve are two days in the year when pubs get busy; many pubs have a ticket-only policy, and usually paid-for tickets. as a regular user of the Hope I know that (i) The pub is very small and (ii) It often gets very busy, because it's a good pub.
Neither I nor other pub goers enjoy being squashed like sardines in a pub just because a lot of people who don't support pubs during the rest of the year feel like turning up to the ones that haven't shut down for want of custom in the intervening 360 days.
On this issue I think that the management at the Hope has come up with the best way I can think of to deal with the the problem. If this means that there's more likelihood that locals and regulars get a ticket for these days, that's exactly how I think it should be. If I go there on these nights I don't want to share it with peripatetic drunks and find my own friends squeezed out: they have made the pub what it is; why shouldn't they be prioritised? As it is, anyone from outside Carshalton who likes the pub and wants to go there can do: just be there beforehand and ask for a free ticket!
As for 'Loyal01' and his comments about 'thugs', Fosters and comparing the Hope to the joints in Sutton, this is so barking it's beneath contempt.
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So , now we have the answer, the Bouncer is not mentioned- expunged from events and sixty seven people turned up unaware of the Hope's policy! Inadequate signage without a doubt to cause chaos on such a scale - a lot of pubs would be happy with an attendance of sixty -seven - to actually turn away such a number beggars belief! I realize that it is a community pub bought and run on the lines of Dad's Army and the "we will all muck in approach" but this is poor even by the standards of such an amateur venture. Full marks to the D.P.S( I really don't know in pub terms what that acronym means). for his admission,my choice of acronym would be S.N.A F.U.
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I am currently the DPS at The Hope, so I declare an interest.
The (free) ticket only policy on Xmas and New Year's eve has been in place for 3 years now and signs were up for a fortnight. It is necessary to avoid overcrowding and us breaching our fire safety limit. Sadly, On Xmas Eve, we had to turn away 67 people without tickets.
The law allows for a 'reasonable time' for drinking up. We allow about half an hour, after that the staff will 'encourage' people to leave. Trying to hang around for an hour after time is not reasonable behaviour in any pub.
We aim to provide a safe, comfortable and relaxed environment in The Hope. Sometimes that means there have to be limits, mostly it means we can all hve a good time.
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The man on the door is not a thug by any means (if it is who I think it is) though he does rather enjoy bellowing at customers to clear off at the end of the evening, as does the female staff member mentioned in my earlier post. This does rather tend to spoil the evening and reinforces the impression, along with other things, that The Hope is not really a pub but a club for real ale fanatics. Customers, being necessary, are tolerated but should never forget they are not "one of us" and should go and have a wee and clear off when told to. The staff have been allowed to get too big for their own boots, blinded by what they see as their beery virtue.
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Well I have to say given the unfortunate circumstances of the Hope's Locals only policy and the resultant fact that Local01 clearly despite the wonderfully charming Bouncer , did not gain admission it is not surprising that-" he (Local01) does not describe much at all". The most he could have achieved would have been an architechtural critique of the outside.
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Slerpy,
1. Yes I am a huge fan.
2. Local01 described the man on the door as a thug, which is my experience he isn't. Other than that, he (Local01) does not describe much at all.
3. The job description to "forcibly eject Intelopers and squash any trouble that might be brewing by being Intimidating" might well apply to bouncers - I have not seen any of those qualities in this case.
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Jack Entwhistle, I would say that you are a huge fan of the Hope not just a satisfied customer ,so far FOUR reviews and THREE concerning the Hope. Local01's views were his experience of how he was treated by the " decent chap", on the door. Sadly i'll have to wait a whole year to come along and be greeted by Britain's only "decent chap" bouncer. Surely even a toddler knows that the guys on the door are there to forcibly eject Intelopers and squash any trouble that might be brewing by being Intimidating. Thanks I enjoyed the laugh!
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Local01, you paint a very distorted picture. Firstly, the gentleman on the door is not a thug, he is a decent chap and a regular. He refused me entry for the same reason as you last year, as I was not aware of the ticketing process and politely turned me away. Unfortunately, The Hope has become a victim of it's own success and due to the number of people who go there, I believe they introduced the ticketing for Christmas Eve (which does not cost anything, by the way) so that the regulars could get in. This strikes me as a sensible and responsible measure to keep numbers manageable, particulary with the building work going on.
To say it has gone bad and comparing it to a chain pub is clearly ridiculous and no doubt springs from your angst at being denied entry - I'm sure The Hope would be pleased to hear from you if you have better ideas on crowd control. And, for the record, I do not work for the Hope, neither do I have any stake in the pub - I am merely a satisfied customer.
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I am so disapointed with the Hope in carshalton. It was a great pub, traditional, serving good ales, no tv etc.
However I went round for a quick pint and was met by a typical thug of a bouncer, who informed me it was tickets only??
It seems this pub is just turning into the standard chain pubs you find on Sutton high street. Probably as a result of there recent success.
What a shame, great pub gone bad. Unfortunately it will be losing my custom.
They will be serving fosters within a month!
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6857,The West Street group are lease holders. Punch will sell the Freehold sooner rather than later( they are actively selling pubs to the likes of Wells&Youngs and Fullers) and after the current lease has expired you might then be able to judge exactly how good or bad the amateurs are. Punch's disposal of pubs leads me to believe that events will unfold pretty quickly. If the asking price is anything like the asking price for the Jolly Coopers in Epsom it will be a bargain.
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A problem that has developed over the years is the employment of shouty or bellowing bar staff, one of whom declares her desire to go home and we'd better do the same PDQ. In none of the many other pubs I visit have I found this kind of thing. Also, the staff, a large and amorphous group which includes part-time volunteers, have privileges not afforded to mere customers and can comprise a significant minority of the drinkers. They are allowed to stay late and thus ignore the shouting and can also play the piano at any time after hours, something a mere customer had better not try, on pain of being yelled at. This is a great shame as the beer is excellent in all respects but the management is smug, self-important and frankly a bit amateurish and ought to realise there is more to running a pub than having good beer.
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Yes ! It certainly does seem to be up to date, useful if you have to endure a difficult journey to get there. A very useful tool when current.
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BeerCam seems to be kept upto date now.
Fab pub. Extension coming along well - fingers crossed, might be completed by Christmas.
Best pub by far for miles and miles around.
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"Beercam" was FOUR days out of date on Saturday it is a complete misnomer, perhaps it should be rechristened an " old snapshot".
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If only this was my local! Thankfully it is only a short train ride away. Every time I need a real beer fix, it is where I head.
Amazing work being done by the co-op of camra members who run the pub :)
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What a splendid pub! A fantastically well kept, ever-changing selection of ale; lovely relaxed atmosphere as well as pleasant and efficient bar staff. A winning combination!
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Outstanding.
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Great pub, but what is the point of having the "BeerCam" on the website? It is now 4 days out of date.
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Because of an invitation from a friend who lives nearby, and after I read that it had won London POTY 2012, a visit to this pub was an essential item on the calendar. I left harbouring some doubts as to whether it is true POTY material, especially in such a competitive field, but by and large it certainly fared well in my measure and it's definitely one to recommend.
Cask-wise, a range of I think 7 ales featured last week (which is the norm I understand). There were 2 of us, and over Firday afternoon 3 rounds apiece were purchased, each time with a different beer. Every one was found in splendid condition and was really flavoursome flagons were quaffed. The Marble Pint and Vale Bitter were stand-outs for me but all were on form. There were 3 cask ciders too though neither time nor appetite allowed me to sample these.
Keg-wise, a further range of maybe 6 beers were offered (I rarely give much airtime to keg as I maintain a fundamental opinion that most British beers are best-kept and served via cask, and that some cynical UK brewers are jumping on the 'craft' bandwagon to make some beer more cheaply while getting away with daylight robbery). I didn't get round to trying any of these on this visit, though temptation was there; the Brodie's stout at 10% was a curio though having tried most of their delicious offerings off cask in the King William I wondered if it was necessary. One of the reasons for not sampling any keg wasn't just my pro-cask prejudice but the prices: sure enough, like all 'craft' bars currently, a pint of something keggy will set you back over �4 and I can't have that. In the case of genuine rare imported offerings I can to an extent understand this strategy, but for a British-brewed product? No way. If I were you punters I'd consider long and hard whether it is worth the wonga.
Food however was very competitively-priced, with some hearty pub grub in healthy (or not so) portions being dished up all around us (didn't dip in as had already eaten but wouldn't have rejected the idea otherwise). Some meals were under a fiver and for what was brought forth I'd say that was pretty good. The lunchtime spell was plainly popular with young and old alike, and the bar staff tucked in to the chef's good work too.
Service-wise, the barmaids were brilliant; knew how to change a barrel when required, and were efficient in pulling beer through and serving it. They weren't over-effusive, but were pleasant enough. As to the chap who appeared to be overseeing things, I have to say I was less-keen. He didn't offend me personally, but I just got the distinct impression he thought he owned the place - he certainly swaggered around it as if he did, barking occasional orders at the staff who I suspected knew perfectly-well what they were doing without his intrusion. He gave off a slovenly image (trousers hanging woefully way below his waistline etc); sorry but just seemed a cocky upstart to us. Apologies if people disagree.
The cottagey exterior of this pub is charming as the photo above betrays, and the interior is cosy and traditional as one would hope to find. Lavatory found in reasonable order (always a relief). The atmopshere evoked was one of an authentic local, but with no parochial self-imposed limitations. A steady stream of customers kept appearing, who clearly appreciated all it was offering. I don't know if the Hope should've beaten all others to the local title this year, but I can understand why it was so obviously in the running.
Come here, drink beer, eat food, enjoy the mood.
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Announced today.....
Greater London CAMRA pub of the year for 2012.
Now down to the last 16 in the country for CAMRA national pub of the year.
Well done to all the staff on gaining this award for this fantastic little pub. Well deserved
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1st trip to this pub. Why have I never been before?
Pleasant ambience and a friendly barman. Most importantly, 7 beers on pumps, including a Mild and a Porter; Kissingate Black Cherry Mild and South Downs Honey Porter. Both excellant.
If you're in the area, do visit.
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A small pub near the railway station which is a Camra pub of the year. The lounge is simply furnished and rather narrow so the bar dominates. For the size of the pub it had a very reasonable range of 6 real ales which are changed regularly. It is run as a co-operative and has a friendly atmosphere. They have a simple range of food but had stopped serving by the time I got there.
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Viki247. It's none of my business, but I'd be intrugued to know how you managed to rate both the Ladies and the Gents toilet.
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Excellent pub, Excellent staff, Excellent ladies WC, Gents WC's OK, Excellent ale and cider range, Excellent clientele, Excellent oversized glasses, Excellent garden, Excellent beer festivals, Haven't tried the food but it looks excellent, The jalape�o pretzel pieces are super hot but excellent!!
This place, for me, is the best pub in Carshalton!! �Will be back again and again - EXCELLENT!!
9/10 - dropped a point due to the Gents.
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A pub how a pub should be.
Popped in for the beer festival but the beer had run out as we went on the last knockings of the final day.
Friendly and efficient staff and a good range of ales on tap. The locals were very friendly as well, would definitely recommend and shall be returning.
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Excellent beer festival ( as usuall BTW ). Superb beer selection. Wonderful quality.
Only problem - the 12 casks ran out too quickly. Still, another 7 cask beers on the hand pumps on the bar.
No wonder this place is Sutton & Croydon CAMRA Pub of the Year (again)
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great pub,great beer,great food,great customers.poor male facilities.oldy woldy pub good banter. many of the staff are very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly.cant say enough about the positives about this place.
unfortunately i have just one large rant. this is a community run pub by committee, brilliant bring on more. exception to rule though is a self appointed egotistical landlord watch the pub video, the ayatoollah here wishes for curfews on customers, perhaps in the summer he will consider stocks in the garden to admonish the less righteous.
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At last! A local pub where I can enjoy the simple pleasures of life, great beer, great food and a good old fashioned chat. It's no suprise that the clientel tend to be of a 'more mature' age, this is a haven dedicated to the enjoyment of British ale, a drink not popular with the 'youth' whose tastes are somewhat different.
Most pubs seem to have more staff than punters on a normal Saturday afternoon but The Hope was gently buzzing and never empty. Finally a word about the staff. Fantastic!
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Message to BITE site admin. Please could you find the time to remove from the facilities listing, that The Hope has Sky TV. If I thought this gem of a pub had Sky TV, I would not step foot in the door. Fortunately The Hope was recommended through friends, hence I did visit.
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The Hope - Visited for the first time the other day. Good selection of well kept beers, good atmosphere, friendly, good food. Other things it's got going for it - NO SKY TV (despite that this sites says it has), no loud music. Will most definitely return to sample some more fine ales. Would be delighted to have this as my local.
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Good well run pub. Fantastic range of real ales. Friendly, helpfull staff. Well worth a visit if you find yourself in Carshalton.
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This pub just gets better every time I go in. Pub grub is traditional, none of this 'trio of wossnames in a bed of bladeyblah' and plates are huge. Beer is always superb, with a nice range of dark and brown beers, some exotic lagers, and farmhouse cider. Just a note to the poster below - the beers are on a blackboard right in front of the door. ;)
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Good range of beers, relatively local and tasted fine. Good atmosphere in the pub. One teeny complaint, the number of people sitting by the bar in front of the handpumps made it difficult to see what beers were on
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Hacker-Pshorr Munchener Hell - a genuine Munich lager has been added to the portfolio. 15 Belgian beers also on offer. 6 Handpumps of Ales, 3 ciders. Hot 'pot' meals available until 10pm every night.
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The Hope is in far better hands than it was on my previous visit, the new landlady has a wonderful manner that fits the pub perfectly, the ales were in good form ( if I was to be picky they were a fraction on the warm side) the beers are sourced from a very wide geographical area unlike some CAMRA beer festivals that concentrate on the same old stuff year after year. If there is a fault ,the prices are a little bit above the generally acceptable price level. I would venture in again if I was in the area.
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If there were only more pubs like this.
Great beer at reasonable prices, friendly service and excellent food.
Make sure you pay it a visit if you are in the area.
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k0536006,Ithought the food stopped at 15:00hrs. Whatever happened to secondary fermentation? Whisky maturing I understand! The ales i've had have been reasonable but not spectacular. I was given to understand by a shareholder that the purchase of the freehold was the next priority rather than an extension. I will give it another try and pop in two days running,possibly a Monday and a Tuesday to check wether there really is a wholesale change of the beer range.
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A tea chest bass and snuff. How very civilised. JHB was excellent though my mates preferred Summer Ale. Still No. 1 pub in the area. Marvellous.
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Looks a bit downmarket from the outside, but has a nice spacious carpark, and very welcoming inside.
A really great atmosphere, lots going on and the staff rushed off their feet serving meals - mostly through to the beer garden.
Bar billiards table with its own room in a back bar, the landlord gave us a handful of free tokens and removed the cover for us. Table very straight and playable despite being a narrow SAMS.
We stayed on for a pub lunch, wifey had ham, eggs and chips and I had sausages, onions and mash. Excellent and good value too.
Very pleasant clientele, no chavs, no screaming kids, no hint of a tattoo and not a mobile phone in sight (- we come from Crawley! ) They did a nice drop of Stella too. A perfect ten from me.
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Rapidly becoming my favourite place to drink. Fantastic welcome. Always a different selection of well kept beers. Tried three before settling on Brewer's Droop which was good but not quite my taste. The antithesis of the pub chain 'outlet' and everything a great local boozer should be. Sadly Mrs Den wanted to move on as we were on a pub crawl so only the one here. I'll be back
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The DarkStar American Pale was absolutely A1 last Saturday. Poor girl behind the bar spent the whole night on the one pump. Superb selection of extremely well kept ales. Always something to enjoy. No muzak, Jukebox, and no amusement machines. Damn tasty rolls too.
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Despite living not far from here, never discovered this place. What a little gem. Will go back. Good choice of unusual ales.
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Beers From Islands Fest from Thurs 23 to Sat 25th June
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Top notch beers at the festival and at the bar. Well done Rowan on your chioces
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Fab beer festival at the weekend - Shame the 10 festival beers ran out so quickly. At least there were another 15 different beers in the cellar.
The garden entertainment on the Saturday evening (Rumpledrumskin and the fire eater) were very impressive.
Well done to everyone involved and the staff who worked VERY hard to make it so good.
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Always a warm welcome and a good selction of real ales. Dogs now welcome too. A sign of it's success is that the pub could do with being bigger as it can be difficult to get a seat. Doesn't help when individuals nurse a pint at a table for 4 or stand at the bar and sling their coats all over the chairs!
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Real ale, Real cider, Real musicians, Real fire, Real pub.
no sky tv in fact there is no tv or piped music.
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Improving with every visit. Beers are getting better and better every time.
Ronan's promotion to bar and cellar manager is well deserved - bring on a variety of beers for us all :-)
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Food now available 12 till 4 every day. Dark beers festival Thurs 25 to Sun 28 Nov.
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The Hope have a very special "Meet the Brewer" evening on Wednesday 10th November2010 at 20;00 ( a.k.a. eight o'clock). Former dark Star brewer toby has moved on to Kent Brewery and his beers will be available.
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This pub is clearly doing something right, as it was crowded on my Saturday lunchtime visit. An excellent pint of Hophead served by a smiley, obliging barmaid. Very middle-aged blokey and it makes much of its real ale credentials, decor and food are obviously not a priority but excellent of its type.
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Carshalton old chap, i shall not rest until i am cold in the ground, we must have a drink sometime, in a pub of your choice of course.
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Shrimpers dear boy....give it a rest will ya!
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The Hope has been bought by many members of the local community,it is a pleasant pub in every respect.The factors that lift the pub to iconic status are Susanna who is a truly fantastic manager,calm, equable and exceptionally hard working ( she makes a difficult job look effortless),the other wonderful feature is the ales- not just any old cheap rubbish from a wholesalers list- they carefully select the ales to provide the very best available and regularly offer a rotating choice.The staff in my visits follow the managers lead and are very pleasant( sometimes under provocation from the flotsam and jetsam that turns up in pubs as customers!).This pub just might not be for you if you like lager and a chavvy atmoshere or prefer a restaurant that serves frozen ale in an apologetic manner.I think it is a truly fabulous pub indeed.
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Carshalton dear boy, i agree that we should agree to disagree although i still disagree, agreed ?
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best pub for miles around.a proper pub for proper people.
yes it's a bit tatty but i dont want some trendy tarted up place with nothing but Fosters ,i want a decent drink.
the racehorse is horrible,what is wrong with some of you people?well,you go over there then,and leave us in peace.
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And his hair was perfect.
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Slerpy and Vic me old muckers, a lot of people talk b*ll*cks on this website but it's the first time to my knowledge that it's been done literally. I saw a werewolf drinking a pina colada at Trader Vic's.
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Shrimpers darling! I like to go into a decent pub get the drink I ask for and sit in pleasant surroundings having a chat - you obviously like to visit sh*t holes like The Hope - lets just agree to disagree! Plenty more far better pubs in Carshalton for me to visit.
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There is an obvious difficulty with this as he may already have 'em as a fixture without any requirement of an award.
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Mr Slerpy. I shall only join TSPBW if bogobilly is black balled; this chap is obviously a fibber - saying he never even saw a bear in the Hope!
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This could catch on.... I've just started The Society for the Preservation of Bears from the Woods! The defecating in the woods would also explain the drain pong.
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I've never seen a polar bear in the Hope, but that's probably down to global warming and the lack of icebergs in the Carshalton Ponds. As for dark bears, again no sightings. Maybe they had all gone for a s**t in the woods. Apparently that's what they do......
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But, Mr Slerpy - the Hope's dark bear is very freindly and not fissy who he drinks with; unlike bongobilly, he doesn't spend his time harnanguing people.
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Rangyboy, Very scary, I never ever go to pubs if I know that there is a dark bear, polar bears are more my kind of thing.
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This is a pub the way pubs should be with a good quality selection of beers and I mean real ale not fissy onion water with there normaly being at least 1 dark bear or mild with freindly staff that are always pleased to see everyone.
I could not recomend this pub enough at long last a real pub in carshalton
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Carshalton old chap/girl, reading your recent reviews i'm wondering whether you actually go into a pub to have a pint and a chat, or to check out it's interior decor, perhaps you should be writing for Homes And Gardens :-)
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Have been here twice now and will be back ! Well kept ales at resonable prices with friendly service .
The hope is one to check out .
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I asked the barman (age undetermined) for a pint of Blake's Heaven and that came in a pint glass too, Carshalton. What a coincidence! Walking past the Racehorse afterwards I had a perfect view of the car park. I didn't see anybody ignorant, rude or dreadlocked harnanguing anybody though. As it's a beer website I ought to mention that the beer was nigh on perfect, as their beers invariably are.
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Cant believe the below reviews about this place - it is a complete hell hole! As soon as you walk through the door the stench hits you. The place needs to be completly gutted and refurbished. Asked the barman who looked about 12 for a white wine spritzer and he gave it to me in a pint glass with a straw! As for the ignorant/rude and obnoxious girl with dreadlocks well what can I say apart from she spends most of her time in the car park shouting at the mums doing the school run for parking in the car park - excuse me love since when is this dump so busy that the car park is full! should have kicked this lot out and turned it into an Indian Restaurant!
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Popped in tonight and the hope was absolutely rammed! Hog roast and barbeque going on. Two seperate musicians playing, one indoors one in the garden.Fast smiley service despite the crowd. Tried the Dark Star Tripel 8.5% nice but not my favourite and Dark Star The Original Dark Star 5% and superb. The Hope is going from strength to strength. I can definately recommend this pub.
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In yesterday lunchtime before Saints played at Sutton. Hophead, Art Brew Happy, Batemans Dark Mild, WJ King Green Bullet and 1648 Signature. The Mild and 1648 were soon replaced by Leatherbritches Bad Boy and Ascot Penguin Porter. Real cider too. Very friendly community pub, excellent.
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Agree with Hoppyal regarding people refusing to move from the bar, which can make it difficult to get served.
Always seems to be a weird smell in the pub (carpets or coming from the cellar, where there has been an issue with water coming in)
I have also been moved from the table I was sitting on due to a private function, which is an inconvenience if there is nowhere else to sit.
Beer quality usually good, a great improvemnet to what the pub was before the friendly landlady took over.
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Without doubt the Hope is the friendliest pub in Carshalton! And the beers are a delight and to die for! As a Dark Star Hophead fan, it is great to have one of my favourite beers on tap all the time! Saves going to the Green Dragon, Half & Half, Cricketers or Evening Star in Brighton!
Added to this is the shear diversity of real ale offerings at any one time. It is like having a continuous real ale festival at your local pub with a variety of milds, bitters and stouts. Something for everyone! I also appreciate the regular beer festivals every few months with about an extra dozen real ale offerings. If anything, more should be done to advertise these festivals.
This is a real community pub and if you come after 8pm on a Friday or Saturday, there is often a jam session with local musicians. Everyone joins in and there isn't a clique-queness about the place. In line with its community aspirations, I was pleased to hear that the pub has been bought out by a group of locals as a cooperative. Added to this, there have been the Straw Jack festivities over the summer and more recently a wedding held at the pub.
The bar staff are extremely friendly and welcoming and I wasn't surprised that the Hope won the CAMRA Sutton Pub of the Year award. One assumes that this is the start of better things to come after only two years of its relaunch.
What could improve at the pub? I'm glad the Hope are sorting out food at the pub; pub grub and food are always welcome. Though they'll need to up their game in comparison to the Sun and Racehorse who have developed a good reputation for pub food in Carshalton. The loos really need fixing and I'm glad that a start has been made to the women's loos. The same is needed for the men's loos in due course. I would also welcome some Belgian bottled beers in the fridge such as Duvel, St Bernardus and the infamous West Vleteren (if they can get some). Like many real ale drinkers, I always like the odd bottle of Belgium monastic beer. Makes me feel spiritual! The carpets have seen better times and need a really good and deep spring clean to get of the old odours out of the carpet and revitalise the pub. I wouldn't be surprised if the carpet changes colour after a spring clean! And, lastly, something needs to be done about the fruit flies in this warm weather. They are a real menace and a Hope problem as I don't find them in other pubs!
Despite my gripes, this is by far the best pub in Carshalton if you like real ale and a friendly community oriented environment. Even if you don't like real ale, you'll find it is a hospitable pub full of conversations and good humoured people. You'll find a good selection of other drinks that may take your fancy. I say this as someone who has no vested interest in the pub.
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been in the hope 4/5 times in last year,mostly on saturday nights with about 6 mates,found the beer to be very good every time.always seems to be a party or function on so very packed,been moved from our seats a couple of times and drinkers wont move out of way of bar when trying to get served,apart from this well worth a visit.
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Called in a few days after Christmas, having been walking in the area, and found it most welcoming with decent ales (i had a Dark Star something) and friendly staff - very convenient for the railway station as well
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Read it and weep Swan Bar! It seems The Hope is not a flash-in-the-pan and between it and then new Sun it has blown The Greyhound out of the water. I wish The Hope another successful summer and look forward to holding a pint of mild in one hand whilst the other gives the finger to the clowns by the Pond!
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Diamond little hostelry, with a rather large beer garden out the back. There was a tent and festival taking place on teh Saturday, only stopped for one but was very decent.
Staff seems helpful and willing, and was suitably packed.
Would definately return.
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Attended the mild festival last night as the pub received its award for being voted Sutton Camra Pub of the Year 2010.
A very friendly pub with smiling staff and amusing customers. The regulars here bought the lease from Punch Taverns recently so is in good hands. A must visit for all fans of real ale. Surely must be listed in the Good Beer Guide 2011 when it is published.
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And another festival starts today! Where do they get the energy for all these events? Milds promised of course, as it is May, and doubtless the ales will be of the usual excellent quality.
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The pub has a piano, courtesy of the licensee Susanna, and is looked after by a regular. Anyone can play it and no-one abuses it. It's that kind of pub.
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The Hope has a Beer Festival from the 1st.-5th. April, an excellent list of ales including an ale from Art Brew.
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Absolute fantastic pub with great atmosphere. If you have a beard that rivals Gandolf himself and you enjoy real ale, then this place is definitely for you. If you're not a fan of facial hair or real ale, then I would still recommend visiting for the company of the staff and regulars.
Great beer, great atmosphere and great potential. Amazing turnaround.
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I have just noticed that the Hope have announced that they are the Pub of The Year for Suttton 2010 ( on Facebook) ,congratulations to Susanna and her wonderful staff! Soon the Croydon P.O.T.Y and the Hope will be voted on to find the overall Croydon and Sutton CAMRA winner.I really cannot see anyone seriously quibbling with this decision, if ever a phoenix arose from the ashes it is indeed the Hope.The hard work that has transformed this pub is eye watering.Rumour has it that an Easter Beer Festival is on its way.
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As the neighbour, I would like to point out the problem with the drains was more likely to have been the result of the 'old crew' sabotaging the drains when the pub changed hands.
I can only reinforce what many have people have said about the great turnaround the pub has acheived. The punters are extremely friendly and very welcoming, certainly not clique as seen in many pubs. The choice of ales is generally very good although it still baffles me why people would want to drink Hophead!!!
All things considered, the staff have done really well under difficult circumstances over the last 12 or so months. Apart from that Roly bloke who needs to get a shave and put a belt on.
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I was lucky enough to visit The Hope for my comrade Ash's birthday bash mid-January. Great staff, locals, beer and atmosphere. These people really care about their beer and the punters reap the rewards
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im pleased to announce that the drains next door have now been fixed and the unpleasant smell in the pub is diminishing, give it a week or so and we should be back smelling of roses! i would like to invite pubsignman back for a second shot and apologise on behalf of the staff that a poor pint was served but would like to point out that it is pub policy to change any beer straight away, without question, if it fails to meet the customers expectations.
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Pubsignman - "combined with an unpleasant smell throughout the pub"
hmm, undoubtedly there is someone less than fragrant on occasions in The Hope and as a result it's not too popular with the ladies. BUT , the staff are very friendly and the beer is usually top-notch and varied. Remember it's still got a long way to go following its transformation from staffie owning lager swilling yob-pub to a decent Carshalton boozer.
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Cosy little pub with a traditional atmosphere, a good range of ales and a lovely community feel. The staff and the regulars always make you feel welcome, and the garden is wonderful for the summer months. A real asset to the village.
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Traditional pub, good beer, didn't smell when we visited!
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Popped in here at the weekend on the back of the good reviews I'd seen on this website. The pub undoubtly has great appeal to fans of cosy traditional pubs with decent ale selections, and I was impressed with the decor (low beamed celing, uber-retro carpet!)and the warm atmosphere generated by the locals.
There were four or five ales on including Dark Star Hophead and Westerham Puddledock Porter. I opted for a pint of Hophead to get the ball rolling and was served an incredibly cloudy pint. Although it eventually cleared, it was probably the worst pint of Hophead I've ever had.
This, combined with an unpleasant smell throughout the pub, convinced me not to stay and try the Westerham, but to try my luck elsewhere.
Given the praise being handed out below, I'm prepared to accept that I probably just got unlucky, and I'd be prepared to give it another try in the future, as the place clearly has something going for it, but sadly by first visit was not one I'd care to remember.
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fantastic pub. great atmosphere, with very friendly punters. the beer is also well kept, and the most recent real ale festival was packed. it goes from strength to strength and is an asset to carshalton. i wish there were more pubs like it.
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Lovely friendly traditional pub, really hard to find these days. Top quality beer and the locals make you feel right at home. A+++++
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The Hope continues to improve with a fine selection of ales and a relaxing atmosphere. For CAMRA lovers simply a must.
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What a smashing pub perfect conditioned real ales and easy to get to from my home in Croydon.It will definitely be on my circuit
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This was our last port of call on Saturday after a strenuous days drinking.The Hope never disappoints with three offerings from Dark Star and a wonderful ale from King's Brewery ( jmb???).This is a very traditional pub that has been reinvigorated by Sussanha and the local CAMRA branch.If you are ever within travelling distance it is an absolute must.Outside there is a more than adequate car park and a surprisingly spacious garden.This pub has a soporific effect on me as it is so cosy.
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The Hope continues to improve with perhaps the best combination of beer range and quality for miles around. I think the beer here is better than at theTrafalgar (Merton, the current CAMRA London pub of the Year) and certainly keeps Carshalton right out in front as a real ale destination in South london and Surrey. If you haven't been, try it soon.
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Carshalton is blessed with some good pubs, but the Hope is now the best by a distance in my opinion. Firstly, there is no television or piped music. This means that one has the novelty of being able to join in conversations with people one has never met before. There is a great mix of folk who get in to the Hope and the atmosphere and friendliness makes you feel like a regular straight away. Secondly, but should have been firstly, there is an ever changing selection of ales of varying strengths, normally with a choice of milds, bitters, browns, and stouts. The innkeeper keeps these in excellent condition. Long may she thrive. The back room is used for regular beer festivals where a choice of about 10 are available. A great social pub for men and women alike.
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I've lived in Carshalton and its environs for 50 years and have only just started drinking in The Hope, at last Carshalton has a proper real ale boozer with the added bonus of the occasional folk night, congratulations to Susanna for transforming this old wreck into a pub that's a lot more shipshape, long may she sail !
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Just went to the LocAle festival 10 real ales on tap. 9 festival beers and a wheat beer. Ale in good condition. A little warm for my liking but probably what CAMRA would recommend, I always did like a colder than normal pint. Boules pitch being constructed at present. Only downside is the drains from the mens can sometimes seem a bit smelly. Probably due to years of neglect previously but under the new management the pub is improving in leaps and bounds.
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The Witches Brew last weekend was A1.
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Wonderful pub a delight in every way. Hophead, Brewsters Kiyo ( might not be the word, I might have drank a little too much of this), Alton Moondance and a Wolf mild. The pub was busy getting ready for the first anniversary of Susanna's presence, hopefully many more years of her stewardship will follow.
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Great range of changing beers in excellant condition. No music or tv.
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Nicely presented but with completely unuseable since the smoking ban.
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Ale Glass shortage solved, 48 Pints and 48 halves added - all 'northern straights' - website and facebook sites running and free wifi now available - ask at the bar for this week's password.
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A wonderful pub, rescued from thugs about a year ago. Tremendous selection of real ales, including mild. A good friendly atmosphere with older beer enthusiasts helping out in the cellar and with maintenance matters. Clientele of all ages who mix easily. This is a great pub which deserves to flourish and so far is increasingly doing so.
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Cottage feel with low beamed ceilings, panelled walls, upholstered banquettes and patterned carpet. The extensive naval theme includes portholes set in the bar top. I've not really much to add to trainman's comprehensive review below as there is no need to duplicate comment/description. Having taken note of the reviews of this pub's previous incarnation however it does seem to be a tremendous achievement by the current landlady and her staff, well done indeed!
Yesterday we had Dark Star Hophead, Freeminer Slaughter Porter, Marston Moor Honey Rabbit and Daleside Old Leg Over, plus the Wilkins Farmhouse cider.
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Mini fest starting on Good Friday for two days.
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Trainman, I'd love a tenner on this to recieve more awards in the next couple of years ! A true phoenix from the ashes job if ever there was one, I understand that it WAS Carshalton's only non real ale pub! I get the feeling there is even more to come . As the rating is so low i'll go for an equalising 10/10.
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Darkstar Hophead, Tom Woods Shepherd�s Delight, Cotleigh Barn Owl, Darkstar Over the Moon had gone but was shortly replaced by Moorhouses Black Cat. The pub has low windows directly to the street but in yesterday�s sunshine the feel was more akin to that of a country inn. Originally two cottages, the building became the Hope Beerhouse in 1877 and was restored with restructured frontage circa 1930. The bar is directly opposite entrance and winds around to the right, where 3 (display) handpumps unfortunately have no access to the cellar, and to the left where it becomes a horseshoe, and where the regulars gather. Low beamed ceiling, some well-upholstered settles and stools plus a couple of tables; to the rear a roaring wood fire (unnecessary yesterday, but kept going to toast buns for a birthday � later offered round the bar!) and a small open snug-type area with U-shaped seating for 8-ish and a serving hatch to the rear of the bar. Further on to a small dining room with windows to a paved beer garden with a few picnic sets. The lower bar walls have dark wood panelling, the papered upper half decorated with many naval pictures and prints and an impressive bronze(?) etched galleon mirror, some display knots are in cases on a central brick pillar. Good welcome at the bar, and easy chatting to the landlady & a few punters (15:00) and later (>17:30) there was a good local buzz. The landlady has an enthusiasm for the ales, and apparently brings a list of options for perusal at the end of the week: having cleared out some problem clientele (whose former presence is adversely & unfairly affecting her Bite rating) she is clearly building a following & deserves to thrive. I got the heads-up on this place from slerpy, but it also features in the current London Drinker (article and advert). Croydon/Sutton inaugural �pub of the season�. Glasses were Adnams or jugs, but it would be mean to criticise that. Three mini �fests coming up � Dark beers April, Milds May, Summer beers (Locale) June. Well done Susanna!
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John the Jester, How strange that you should so coincidentally happen to be on the premises when the local branch dispense such a worthy award ! Next you will say that you were not drinking !
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This is a lovely little pub which I would be proud to have as my local if I lived in the vicinity. Friendly atmosphere and excellent beer. And while I was in there yesterday the landlady was presented with a CAMRA award for "Pub of the Season" - well deserved, I reckon.
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The Hope is improving fast and the beer choice is expanding radiply. Very friendly staff and locals. Best of all, Dark Star Hophead is now to be a regular on the pumps. No longer need to travel to Adiscombe (Claret Free Hse) or South Wimbledom (Trafalgar ) for a decent pint. If things keep on this way I wont be supprise if the pubs in next years Good Beer Guide, if not pub of the Year.
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Nice old traditional pub, quiet, comfortable, good pint of Kronenbourg! Nt expensive.. Which we like... 6/10
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Kitchen refurb finally about to start! Nice real fire, selection of ales including mild. A proper pub, and one that you can actually take a lady to.
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It's improving, but there's a long way to go. The reputation it's trying to get rid of may be hard to shed, but full marks for trying. Shame there was no food on.
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The 3 (so far) hand pumps serve mild, bitter, and strong beer. Harveys being the most regular. The only TV is the CCTV watching the car park :) not yet perfect, but very good. 8/10
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The Ansell's Mild now replaced by Tetley's Mild. This pub is going to be one to watch, given its interest in serving a variety of proper beer. It's worth a visit if you are in Carshalton.
Cheers
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Good pub struggling to get going again - good ale at reasonable prices. Reasonable food at sensible prices. Much work required on the physical side - garden expecially. But it's getting there; Susannah working hard to get it right. Now favoured by those Swan Bar regulars of many years standing who like decent beer, the lack of juke-box, TV etc.
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I've ventured in a few times recently and it is nowhere near as bad as I thought. The ales are okay, and cheap, and the staff seem friendly enough. They have a few interesting ales on too.
Occasionally there a strange man who stands outside and heckles you as you leave. Not sure if he is the guvnor or just a bit odd.
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My first visit last night and I agree with the last two reviewers. This is a proper village pub with a friendly feel. It hasn't been mucked about, it's unpretentious and comfortable.
The beer was superb: Ansells Mild was surprising to find, and very drinkable. The Harvey's Best was one of the best-tasting examples I've drunk outside of the Brewery or The Royal Oak or The Garland: Miles Jenner would be proud. The ale is limited to what Punch has on their A-list, but the landlady explained she was trying to get Punch to let her expand. Watch this space.
Avoiding the modish urge to gastropub everything, The Hope offers simple pub grub at reasonable prices, Didn't try any last night - they'd stopped serving - but what was offered on the blackboard menu looked reasonably priced (mostly �3 -�5) and appetizing.
I'd go back.
7/10
Cheers,
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At last after years and years of mediocrity this pub is looking up with civilised new management (who have banished the pondlife) and decent real beer. Go and support it!
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The Hope is under new management and is now focusing on attracting real ale drinkers offering a selection of real ales often including a draught mild or other dark ale. Years ago The Hope had a real village pub feel and im glad to say its heading back that way offering lunches and sunday roasts and with a large garden is great for kids in the summer. no piped music, no fruit machines, pool tables or juke boxes, freedom to have a quiet drink with a paper or a chat with the friendly staff. Im glad to see such a positive change and will certainly be going back.
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Great car park to use while you pop in and pickup your Chinese.
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How this pub developed in a nice part of Carshalton near the ponds we shall never know. Even if your next train is half an hour away find something better to do than go in here for a pint. If you medically need a pint, sit outside. Otherwise, echo the other posters here. Awful place full of men with football shirts and number one haircuts swearing a lot. Pubs were not invented for this, surely?
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pub where if someone asks you to buy them a drink you do it and get out
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full of tossers who thik they re hard
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Scaffolders Arms. Plaster splattered jeans and Reebok classics are essential. No criminal record - no entry permitted.
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You'd be safer queuing for a beer at a Police recruiting office in Baghdad.
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I was in there once and someone threw a chair out a window then drove his transit into the doorway. 'nuff said!
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Invaded by White Van Men, steer clear
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It's like a episode of eastenders!!!!
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This pub is really handy for my home address, but to be honest, I find the customers slightly intimidating. Whilst I think dress codes are unnecessary, I think a 'no work clothes'policy might entice more custom.
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Like a long corridor - whereevr you stand, someone pushes past to get to the loos or wherever. I hear that people are leaving the Hope to go to the Racehorse - almost opposite
anonymous - 15 Mar 2005 16:23 |
This pub should have been called "The Scaffolders Arms" as that what makes up most of it clientle. This is a pub that manages to both suck AND blow.
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Chav-o-rama in the middle of a really nice road, in the middle of a not bad area. A real shame.
Steve - 1 Sep 2004 13:41 |
