Subjective ramblings about beer, pubs and associated topics

Jerusalem Tavern

I still plan to get around to a general article on London pubs, but here is at least some words about a pub which you all should seek out. While the pubs in the most pricey areas of Soho and Covent Garden tend to be fake Irish identikit places, the rest of London has lots of great pubs. Many of them belong to the London brewers Fuller’s or Young’s, but there are others as well if you take the time to seek them out.

A one of a kind pub is the Jerusalem Tavern, the only London pub run by St. Peter’s Brewery in Suffolk (where they have their only other pub.) The building dates back to 1720, and is located close to the Smithfield meat market, a few minutes walk from the Museum of London .

I would guess that this rather small pub fills up rather quickly both at lunchtime and after office hours, so try to do as I did and find a quiet afternoon.

Friendly staff, with solid knowledge about their trade. The secret behind a range of six real ales on tap in a small pub is to have small casks. They use casks which are half the size of the ones used in most pubs, which means they can keep the beer fresh at all times.

I staggered out after a few hours, as they unfortunately only serve food (or do food, as they say) at lunchtime, but with clear intentions to return at the first opportunity. I bought with me a few bottles from their fridge to enjoy at home, too. A review of their Winter Ale shortly. I believe they export some of their beers, and some of them are available in shops such as the beer shop in Borough Market as well.

St. Peter’s Brewery was recently up for sale, as the current owners felt they had reached a stage when more capital was needed to expand. The latest reports say they have withdrawn this offer, and we can count ourselves lucky that they were not bought up by one of the big lager lads!

Posted by: KnutAlbert at 12:18 | link | comments (5)
london, beer, microbreweries

Comments:

#1  24 January 2006 - 13:06

 

I am used to describing food but little did I know that I have a lot to learn when it comes beer characters and what to look for. Excellent descriptions.

OsloFoodie

#2  24 January 2006 - 13:51

 

Very cool.

beerinator

#3  24 January 2006 - 19:53

 

Thank you for the feedback, folks - it is really welcome! I'm off to Parma next week, OsloFoodie - want some salami or Parmesan?

KnutAlbert

#4  24 January 2006 - 20:19

 

i enjoyed my visit to jerusalem, too, thanks... enjoy Parma! buon viaggio...

howard

#5  25 January 2006 - 00:32

 

Thanks Knut Albert, awfully kind of you but just happens that I got plenty of salami and parmesan in my fridge right now! But I hope you'll take a photo of your beery food :). Have a nice trip.

OsloFoodie

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