The Hand In Hand, Wimbledon Common

Fantastic "proper" pub with great atmosphere and decent food. I didn't realise it was in shortlisted in CAMRA's South West London pub of the year - mainly because it now has put in a huge effort on well kept real ales. It's probably one of the few Youngs pubs to be allowed to host a range of guest beers.

I went to one of their monthly beer-tasting session last night (first Wednesday of every month) run by the Landlord who's nuts about serving a decent pint. There were about 15 of us and it included a tour of the cellar, venting and tapping a few barrels - explaining how long barrels are left to settle and they only last 3 days once opened. We were supplied with plenty of (free) half-pint tasters of all their ales from Ordinary to Porter and everything in between. Beers are kept at 11-12 degrees, and they have a barrel of guest beer behind the bar for those that like a warmer flavour.

Well worth a visit!

2 Dec 2010 11:18