I could have entitled this blog just Pimlico, or Vauxhall Bridge Road, which I may have done if we had included a fourth pub on the day (the Jugged Hare), but for some reason I forget we didn't go there; another time! Anyhow, first up and very close to Victoria Station, was the Victoria Taps, 27 Gillingham Street SW1V 1HP (website), a Stonegate pub that's open from 10.00 every day of the week (although due to the terms of its licence you can't buy alcohol before 12.00 on Sundays), anyhow our first stop as we were there before 11.00 on Saturdays; we've been back.😉
Each time we've gone for the Fuller's London Pride (4.1%) to drink, which I've mentioned many times in blogs, but never really reviewed, I just know that when it's in form it's pretty good, but it does need to be sold quickly as it doesn't last too long in opened casks (cellar experience there folks). Brewed with English hops Target (hopslist), Northdown (hopslist), Challenger (hopslist) and East Kent Golding (hopslist), and I'd describe it as a slightly malty and bitter traditional session bitter. CAMRA (website) describe it thus: "Aromas of malt and citrus. The malty sweetness is balanced by spicy bitter hops with orange, apricot, sultanas and toffee." Oh yes, and basic bacon sandwiches are available at just £4 each before noon!
We then walked towards Vauxhall Bridge and close to it, we stopped at a McMullen's pub (never visited or drank their ales before! McMullen's website) the White Swan, 14 Vauxhall Bridge Road SW1V 2SA (website), indeed, before my first visit to the Taps I'd never visited either of these first 2 pubs before, and I used to work very close by in my yoof! The White Swan has been trading as a pub since 1759, more recently Macs took it over from Punch Taverns in 2012, and it had previously been a Watney's pub since the 1970s, and then a Scottish & Newcastle pub.
Here, and please take note that I'd never even heard of this brewery from Hertford before, despite them being 200 years old, 😕 I drank their Mac's IPA, a 4.8% East India Pale Ale. The IPA has its origins back in 1840 and is now brewed with Progress (hopslist) and Brambling/Bramling Cross (hopslist) again, both English hops, meaning it is a more traditional English style IPA rather than an APA. Consequently, it's a darker amber/mahogany colour with a slightly sweet malty flavour and with a hint of citrus only, and was not bad at all, more please! 😁
Nearer to Pimlico tube station is the Cask Pub & Kitchen, 6 Charlwood Street SW1V 2EE, a pub I have visited and written about before on my old Beermeister blog, and which has been trading in a modern building since 2009, being "London's first craft beer focussed pub" (website). The building is Grade II Listed, I kid you not, and well, have a read of London Drinker for more!
Back to the ale! Siris Citrus Pale is a pale golden bitter, apparently with added grapefruit and lime zest, consequently it is packed with citrus flavours. I'd love to say Citra hops were used, but I can't find details of the hops used anywhere, although the brewery does use a wide range of hops from the USA including Citra and Chinook. Whatever, this was a delightful refreshing ale!
I will visit the Jugged Hare sometime (website), maybe next season, cheers!🍻