The Rake

The RakeThe Rake
The RakeThe Rake
Bar, Eatery

14A Winchester Walk
London, England, SE1 9AG
United Kingdom

+44 20 7407 0557 | map
utobeer.co.uk
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.93
Reviews:
26
Ratings:
35
pDev:
14.76%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
 
Rated: 3.69 by Mabr

Feb 11, 2020
 
Rated: 3.89 by TargaFlorio from Indiana

Apr 02, 2019
Photo of Nichols33
Reviewed by Nichols33 from Massachusetts

3.52/5  rDev -10.4%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 3.25 | service: 3.75 | selection: 3.5
Very tiny area inside but a pretty cool beer garden type outdoor area. Were looking for some good local IPAs, what they had were OK. The Rake is in a good location of London, right near the riverfront and the Globe.
Nov 15, 2018
 
Rated: 3.58 by DispyDnb from England

Jun 06, 2016
 
Rated: 4.25 by Highbury09 from North Carolina

May 29, 2015
 
Rated: 3.5 by windypete from England

Oct 25, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by RedDieselBrewing from Ireland

Sep 07, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by jonb5 from England

Aug 18, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by atpca from California

Jul 17, 2014
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Reviewed by spointon from Illinois

4.45/5  rDev +13.2%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.75
My wife and I stopped in at the Rake for a few beers while on a recent trip to London. It is located conveniently close to Borough Market and several other wonderful pubs.

First off, this place doesn't have a "traditional" English pub look/feel. It is bright, painted mostly white (albeit with graffiti'd walls) and it is quite small. However, it has an absolutely huge bottled beer selection, supplemented by 8-10 cask ales. What makes the Rake pretty cool is that they don't attempt to be overly traditional in their beer selections, so they offer a lot of beers that are being brewed by British breweries that push the envelope of ingredients and style guidelines. In other words, you can get very brightly hoppy beers, beers with American hops, and beers that use unique ingredients not normally found in traditional English cask ales. Fun, fun, fun!

Prices were fair. The bartender was extremely knowledgeable about all things craft beer, and held his own in our conversation about brewing and American craft beer.

This is a great little place where you can find some very interesting beers. Highly recommended!
Nov 15, 2013
 
Rated: 4.25 by bylerteck from Canada (ON)

Oct 28, 2013
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Reviewed by sleazo from New York

4.2/5  rDev +6.9%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.25
Visited a number of times on a 10 day trip to London as it was near my friends house.

The Rake is a very tiny bar with a nice sized patio and space to drink in the adjacent car port. The bar itself is extremely small but there is enough room on the patio to give you a nice sense of space. Located just outside of Borough Market there is a nice view of the Shard and Southwark Cathedral. On a nice warm summer day it is a pretty pleasurable place to have a beer. In the winter it appears they have heatlamps and a jumbrella to keep things warm and dry.

Beerwise I consistently found good things to drink. Three cask offerings available each day including some Oakham and Darkstar beers. There are also 4 draught beers which are also well chosen from around the UK and some interesting imports. Since I was visting I stuck with ones I could not get at home but if I lived here I would appreciate the choice. Some of the rarer beers get a little pricey but they are just that, rare. Very well maintened lines and excellent selection. Also being associated with a top notch bottle shop, the coolers are well stocked with a well curated selection.

I think they only sell crisps but the Borough Market is right there so there are a lot of choices.

Definitely recommended for locals and tourists alike.
Aug 23, 2013
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Reviewed by Lare453 from Florida

4.61/5  rDev +17.3%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 4.75 | service: 5 | selection: 4
A small, but fun, nice outdoor patio, inside is very small, but very English. Tis place is super super fun to be at.

Q awesome, the beer is very fresh, have a small bottle selection but its all good stuff.

S the service is awesome, two bar tenders, that really know their shit. Able to recommend good stuff and they know all about what they have.

S two six foot coolers filled, not a huge selection but what they have is very good. 7 taps and two or three casks with local stuff while I was there. But a lot of it is amazing one offs.

V not expensive for London but may shock people form the us with the exchange rate right now.
May 17, 2013
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Reviewed by FLima from Brazil

1.95/5  rDev -50.4%
vibe: 2 | quality: 2 | service: 1 | selection: 3 | food: 1.5
Not really a big bottle selection, less than what I have at home, in total seem to be just two small refrigerators. On the other hand, Utobeer, the beer stall from the same owners in the Borough market nearby has one of the best selections in London.
I found this pub too crowded, too small and expensive compared to other top notch craft beer places such as The Cask, Craft Beer Co, and Brewdog. Here I got the worst service in the UK, the young lady was really rude and not knowledgeable (not the case for Utobeer). The fork I got was so dirty I could even taste food on it if I wanted. By the way just snacks and 1 or 2 selections of cold food is available here. One of the bottles I was willing to buy was expired already.

No beer menu is available as we see now elsewhere. Craft beer scene in London has evolved and they stayed behind, in prices, service, quality, etc...
Dec 06, 2012
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Reviewed by Zive from Hawaii

4.11/5  rDev +4.6%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4
Visited this place during a four month stay in London. The selection was pleasantly broad, and included many American Beers that proved hard to find in the UK otherwise (i.e. a few by Sierra Nevada, Green Flash, Goose Island, Anchor Brewing, Bear Republic, et. al.
There were only a handful of brews (most of them from the U.K.) on tap, but again, the bottle selection was impressive. Even on a Tuesday in the fall seating was limited, both inside the tap-room and outside.
The redeeming qualities of this pub are the helpfulness and hospitality of the staff, and the amusing scribblings of the many brewmasters who have visited and endorsed this "hole-in-the-wall".
Sep 19, 2012
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Reviewed by flyingpig from Scotland

2.9/5  rDev -26.2%
vibe: 2 | quality: 3.5 | service: 2 | selection: 3.5
Very expensive pub and not one I'd go to again unless I was sure it was empty. It was basically a cupboard with a bar in it and a beer garden attached but you couldn't even find a place to stand never mind sit. Unimpressed despite the huge bottle selection, but to be honest just head to some other craft beer pubs instead. There was a market area that the pub had took over as well but that's basically just standing with a carryout in the street, not a pub. Nice selection but just too crowded and expensive, even by London standards.
Aug 04, 2012
Photo of Reagan1984
Reviewed by Reagan1984 from Massachusetts

4.08/5  rDev +3.8%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4
Ok, so beer geeks told me to hit The Rake while in town. While i am glad I did, it felt more like an American beer bar vs. being in London. In fact, locally their claim to fame is all the American Craft they have. On the wall all of hte American brewers sign their names. (Garret Oliver, Sam C., etc)
I suppose for Brits this is cool as the American craft scene explodes. For me, I wanted to London experience. Please dont take these as negative comments! The service was excellent and friendly. They did have seval things on cask that were wonderful and there was a little urban beer porch/garden.

My advice is to stop here for a quick one and then head around the corner to The Market Porter for the real London experience. Also, this this neighborhood on a thurs-Sat and hit the Borough Market. Its totally awesome. Outside market with all sorts of street food
Apr 19, 2012
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Reviewed by Ruds from England

4/5  rDev +1.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5
The Rake is ... well the Rake !

It's not big, it's not the place to go for a cosy sit down and relaxing evening, you simply hit it running, put a couple of quality beers down you in 45 minutes and move on

Good selection and a bit pricey in places, but there's always something to hold my interest on tap or in the fridge

It's in a trendy are of London, so no point coming here and harping on about your local beer prices - get over it!

On my last visit, in the spring, I had Schlenkerla Rauch on keg at around £1 cheaper than you could pay for it in a bottle in other London pubs!
Oct 22, 2011
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Reviewed by alfrantzell from California

3.53/5  rDev -10.2%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 2.5 | selection: 4
After wending our way through the Borough Market in Southwark, ImperialStoat and I infested the Rake.

It's a small pub. Only eight or so beers available on draft and cask, but all well-selected. They even had Arrogant Bastard on-tap during our visit. Sitting indoors was an impossibility so we scavenged seats in the large patio instead. Its proximity to the Borough Market is a double-edged sword. It was easy enough for us to stumble in, but everyone else seemed to have had the same idea.

Being sick and dehydrated, I ordered a glass of water with each pint of beer. The second had lipstick on it. Evidently I had an admirer.
Jul 12, 2011
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Reviewed by thepeter from England

4.14/5  rDev +5.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
Been to the Rake Many times but for whatever reason never reviewed it. Very small bar with a nice little beer garden and then pleanty of room just outside by Borough Market. Inside can get quite crowded adn stuffy so I usually go outside to mingle. the bar itself is nice. 3 casks (plus the occational extra downstairs) and 4 or 5 taps all always have quality beers on and sometimes exceptional beers on offer. Service is good, the bartenders all seem to know what they are talking about and will offer help or a sample if asked. The bottle selection is mostly Belgian and American, with some British and German to round it out. Not sure about the food, I once had some stew there but not sure if it was on offer or just a friendly gesture from the bartender. . .it was OK. They have crisps and nuts behind the bar though if you are hungry. It is one of the more expensive pubs in London, But I have neve rleft disappointed and always feel as though I got what I paid for. A must go for any Craft Beer lover in London.
Aug 18, 2010
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Reviewed by groswhippet from Canada (QC)

3.8/5  rDev -3.3%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4
After a 10-day tour of Scotland + Liverpool, The Rake was a godsend. Had a lovely vacation and would return anytime but... not for the beer. Tried over 15 cask ales (excluding Tennent's, UK's version of the blond, insipid). All were OK, good for an aperitif, especially on vacation, but not one was worthy of seconds. All tasted very similarly bland. Mind you, I was sure that flavorful UK beers exist but I did not explore. But I was OK with that. I like to get the pulse of what is readily available.

Two days before leaving, I finally ended up at The Rake thanks to some research I did on Beer Advocate (thank you BA !) and to a suggestion from the people at BrewDog (sadly, they were out of BrewDog). When I saw the taps, I knew it would be, at least, a great finale. Bière du Château from Belgium, Stone Levitation and Great Divide Hercules Double IPA ! My eyes then settled on the fridge... Oh yeah ! When you see Cantillon bottles, you know you're in the right place. Could not resist the Bière du Château to start (never had it on tap) and my daugter had the Freedom English Stout which was very nice and roasted so it was our first flavorful UK beer. Then I had the Hook Norton Double Stout which was also very good. Bought some sausage, cheese and bread from the Borough Market next door which made for a wonderful lunch time on the terrace.

I must admit finding it peculiar and a little unfair really to read negative comments having to do with the lack of selection including for american brews. Yes, I have seen better selection but I view this more as the exception and unexpected surprise. I don't expect a 1,000-bottle selection every time. These establishments are worthy of an A+ rating but The Rake certainly merits a B+. I was gonna be there once for a couple of pints anyway. American brews ? Love them ! But when I'm in England, I want to sample english and scottish beers ! But a list to consult would be nice. Staff was friendly and helpful.
Aug 13, 2010
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Reviewed by StJamesGate from New York

3.8/5  rDev -3.3%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4
Don't really get the fuss over this place.

Having come straight from Utobeer (same owners) I was disappointed to see only a fraction of the bottles on display, and just one American on tap. Maybe there were more, but the coolers are not easy to see. A beer menu, perhaps...?

It's sparse and tiny with hardwood floors, the staff were not rude but also didn't offer help, there's a covered beer garden with an eclectic mix of tourists and crusties.

Had a great pint of Dark Star, but in spite of the beer mecca reputation, I just didn't want to hang around.
Oct 28, 2009
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Reviewed by DerGoerzer from Italy

2.68/5  rDev -31.8%
vibe: 3 | quality: 2 | service: 2 | selection: 4
I strongly advise you not to visit this place.

Selection, as previously said, is pretty impressive (although keep in mind you won't find "everything").

The place is very small, which in itself is neither a pro or a con. Tends to get crowded, but not as much as the nearby Bourough Market.

Not all of the staff is helpful and expert about beers. My request to try an Imperial Stout similar to the Great Divide ones (which they don't have) resulted in a void look, as if I was an alien speaking sumeric.

I meant to get two beers, but I've been asked to pay the first right away. Thanks god for this!
A normal 12oz bottle of Left Hand's Imperial Stout costed me: 7.8 pounds. Yes: SEVEN POUNDS AND EIGHT PENCE.

I asked to repeat the price, I was sure I got it wrong. No way, I had to pay this ridiculous sum of money (beer was already opened anyway).
I was going to laugh. A classic theft, London-style, to make the rich guys who buy it sure it's a "premium beer".

But...
I usually paid for the same beer 4.5 euro back in Italy, and for example I can buy Flying Dog's Imperial Porter in supermarket for 2.5 pounds.

Great Divide is an american brewery, not italian, so I wonder why I could pay almost half in my isolated city, and almost 8 pounds in London (definitely closer to any importer HQ).

As a side note, my beer was quickly poured in the glass, the bottle discarded. A quality beer-pub always gives you the bottle (to check contents and description) and... pouring all at once? No way. You should keep a smaller quantity inside the bottle, to add it later in order to revive the flavour.

Obviously, I didn't get a second beer.

Avoid this place my friends, avoide. If you are stubborn enough to get *that* beer, just order from Beers of Europe or Beer Merchants online. Fast delivery and reasonable prices.

Don't feed the thieves!
Oct 18, 2009
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Reviewed by DerBayer from Germany

4.44/5  rDev +13%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 5
This has the second biggest beer selection in London afetr the Sloany Pony or White Horse in PArsons Green as some call it.

150 beers + !!! Get that everyone - I dare you to try them. The bar staff are frienndly and chatty and actually KNOW BEER STYLES. They do some 6-8 on tab and even had Aventinus EISBOCK on tab once - thats 12% of mental Malt and Wheat Grenade goodness on tab.

They do not serve food but you can get amazing food stuff in Borough market where it is situated.

It s always busy but I ve NEVER seen it crowded so if you re in London it s a MUST!
Sep 25, 2009
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Reviewed by Goldorak from Canada (QC)

3.94/5  rDev +0.3%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4
A Beer lover's paradise just south of London Bridge. right next to the market, behind the cathedral.

Split in two parts, the actual pub and the outside patio, we sat in the latter as it was nice out. A few casks were available, incliding the Brew Dog IPA which was good, but the real star of the show here is the bottled selection. I didn't really go for any of them because there were a lot of Belgian ans US brews, most of whom I've had before. But for locals, this place is Ali Baba's cavern. The pints I had here were fresh and somewhat reasonably priced for London standards.

A true gem for locals and foregners alike.
Sep 14, 2009
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Reviewed by PartyBear from England

4.14/5  rDev +5.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
Great little bar. Hidden just away from the busy Borough Market, the kind of place you stumble across when you are badly lost.

The bar itself is very small, however there is a garden area next to it that makes the space slightly bigger but it's still somewhat "cozy" when it get busy, and it does get busy. You find that the custom spills out into a car park next door in a desperate attempt to find room.

The size of the bar is made up for by the substantial size of the beer selection. It is always changing too, so every time you go back you are faced with the same tough decisions of what to drink from the vast array.

If you have never been, make an effort to seek this place out. You can also combine it with a visit to Utobeer, the beer shop in Borough Market that actually runs the bar.
Jul 19, 2009
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Reviewed by SaintNathaniel from Georgia

4.3/5  rDev +9.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4
Great place with an outstanding selection of beers. London has a pub on every corner, and most of them all serve the same macros: Fosters, Stella, Peroni, Heinenken, etc, so this small, off-the-beaten-path oasis, is a rare find in this city. Their selection is most noted for its Belgians, Germans, and American crafts (Sierra Nevada, Stone, Anchor, etc). Although its small inside, if the weathers nice, the patio is a great place to enjoy a beer. I had a Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine on draught last time I was there and a Stone Oak Aged Arrogant Bastard before that. London severely lacks in quality beer establishments, and The Rake is doing its part to correct that...
Jun 08, 2009
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Reviewed by tendermorsel from Massachusetts

4.66/5  rDev +18.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
This place is great. Kind of small and pretty crowded once they closed the patio.

Wonderful selection on German English Belgian and American beers. 8 taps and a ton of different bottles. I had a Goulden Caroluos Christmas on tap. They also had a good selection of Brewdog beers.

I only had one pint but I saw some Stone (collaboration!) Gardin Fero, various Cantillon, rauchbeer, and various English micro brews.

My buddy said that it was pretty expensive for London but at £ 3 a pint I didn't feel that.

Highly recommended if in London. I know I will make sure to go hear again while I am in London.
Mar 21, 2009
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Reviewed by futurefjp from England

4.28/5  rDev +8.9%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 2
Best place I found in my brief stay in London this year(2008) so maybe I ain't been around enough? Oh hell I don't care...Cantillon Gueuze 100% Lambic-Bio was on tap(an awesome beer) recently and every day it changes those on tap. A must for any fan of beer whose looking around Borough Market on a Thursday, a Friday or a Saturday.

The venue is very small so its a bit hard to get served if you're the desperate type, but if you're a regular this doesn't really happen...its quite popular with the suited mob post 5pm most weekdays - which is a shame.

I will return soon...
Apr 11, 2008
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Reviewed by swizzlenuts from Wisconsin

4.28/5  rDev +8.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 5
This is a very small pub, but has a large selection of beers. It ranges from US to Estonia. The staff can either be incredibly helpful or mildly helpful, which depends on how new they are and if what you are looking for falls into what they know best. The styles range from Imperial Stouts to Lagers with a few special brews (which can be very expensive). The place can get really busy, so I recommend going there during the day to have a nice relaxing pint or bottle. I always went around 2-3 pm on a Saturday and it was very laid back and nice. The deck is nice to sit, relax, and read.

The pub only has beers that brewed in the country of origin, so nothing macro here.

PS: I am employed at the pub, but this review is written from my memories of when I used to visit it. I tried to be as fair as possible, but take the review for what it's worth.
Mar 21, 2008
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Reviewed by Flyer from Wisconsin

4.39/5  rDev +11.7%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
An obvious labor of love, with all the good and bad implied by that description. It's very small, only three tables inside and a few more on the deck, and pretty mundane decor-wise. But the selection, the knowledge, and the service all make it a must-visit. Free samples of every beer I expressed curiosity about, detailed descriptions of others, and passion for beer culture that comes through every step of the way. I understand it's run by the Utobeer people, so go to Borough Market for one and stay for the other.
Oct 29, 2007
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Reviewed by BlackHaddock from England

3.44/5  rDev -12.5%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.5 | service: 2 | selection: 5
St Patricks Day, early evening, market closed.

Two stouts on draught, Veltins German Pilsner and a German Weiss on tap, four more taps, a Kriek, an American beer, Duchesse de Bourgogne and one I can't remember, sorry.

Large selection of bottled beers also, very large for the UK.

Small, with a slightly larger patio, enough room for 12, maybe 16 inside, 20 plus outside. It is too close to the fish stall at the market, every so often that wet fish odour wafts in and ruins your beer aroma completely.

My first round was expensive, but the beers were all fine, there was a communication problem with my second round. I watched in amazement as the young barmaid poured the draught Duchesse de Bourgogne into a pint sleeve glass (at £6.00 a pint). I got it transfered into two smaller glasses, but it just doesn't taste the same if it is not in it's proper glass and the aroma is of wet fish!
Mar 19, 2007
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Reviewed by TheLongBeachBum from California

4.08/5  rDev +3.8%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
Located in what has been referred to as an upcoming & rather fashionable area, this all seemed to be lost on me as I walked to the Rake late on a dark Saturday afternoon through an empty litter strewn Borough Market; patches of spoiled vegetables, whistling market workers destructing the stalls & packing them away as well as empty boxes, strange looking piles of discarded ice & the air heavily soiled with the smell of stinking fish. Make no mistake, despite the late night trendy hangouts; this is primarily a working market, so it is surprising to find out that The Rake is the first licensed Pub to open up within the confines & legal bounds of Borough Market for over a Century, so refreshing to see the trend for Pub closures bucked for once.

Thankfully I had a local BA RichLightWeight to get me here, but I’m sure the Rake is easily missed my newbie’s. It is situated on Winchester Walk & it is technically inside the Borough Market, so it should be easy to find. However, there are no signs to draw you here so keep your eyes peeled if you are heading out for the first time.

The Rake lays claim to being the smallest Pub in London & as my Dad would say “Therz no room to swing a cat in eer”. The single main room is accessed from the street entrance & it cannot be more than say 15 ft by 8 ft in size, if that. Nice solid wooden floor, bare walls & a white tiled ceiling with a couple of columns here & there. The décor is hard to pigeon-hole, needless to say that it is spartan with minimalist undertones, let’s face it, given the restricted space it has to be! There was at least one tall round wooden table & a couple of high wooden stools to punctuate the small void but apart from that, it is quite literally standing room only in here. The small bar is against the back wall, festooned with many shiny stainless steel taps & two Beer Engines. The bar fronts several coolers, which thanks to their condensation lined glass doors, proudly display a very interesting selection of beers & ciders. There is a small decked area to the side of the Rake, it seems like it doubles the capacity to maybe 30 or so people. Here there is a small collection of quality wooden furniture to relax in & access to the outside back toilets. There is also an exit here which leads up to the nearby Southwark Cathedral, which looks great when lit-up during the night-time.

As The Rake is the child of Utobeer, the market based beer retailer, it is no surprise that the beer range & selection is top notch. Several drafts from Belgium (Liefmans, Duchess), Germany (Aventinus, Veltins) & even from the USA (Anchor). The UK brews on sale were O’Hanlon’s Wheat Beer & Royal Oak, both of which I tried & found to be in good nick. The star of the evening was BA RobBeer & his freshly purchased Pitcher of the excellent Thomas Hardy’s Ale from Cask; this was eagerly shared amongst the assembled BA’s & with a rich toffee body, certainly drank well below its listed 11.7% stated strength. It should be noted that as far as many know, The Rake is the only establishment to have & sell casks of Thomas Hardy’s Ale. Yes that was Cask’S’ plural. Rumor mill is that not all will be sold immediately, but held back for special occasions.

The drafts are complemented with around 100 bottles, the selection & depth of the range of beers on offer is excellent, extremely well thought out. All this is supported by a great range of Real Ciders, a Perry or two, Jenevers, Whisky, Schnapps, Brandies & other high end Spirits (Liquors).

There is no Food to speak of, but it seems that there are plans to sell snacks from the market such as cheese, meat pies, etc. For now though, you have to make do with what are referred to as “Convivial Yorkshire Crisps”…. exact details of this unknown Southern style Northern delicacy were unknown until I got to try these. In short, it involves dropping £3 for a small cardboard tub of crispy parsnips that are fried like crisps. Let me say here & now that whilst these may well be “manufactured” in Yorkshire, most real Yorkshire folk wouldn’t be seen dead eating these over-priced fancy-schmancy bloody ponced-up pigs toenails…..there is only one Yorkshire Crisp- Seabrooks!!! Are you listening Rake!?!? ;-)

If any new London Pub has been lauded & promoted through Chinese whispers, rumors, disinformation & counter rumors, then it has to be The Rake. The first new Pub in this area for well over 100 years, the smallest Pub in London, a varied & awesome beer selection including many rarities; it certainly has a lot of reputation to live up to. I was rather excited to see what all the hype was about here, but my overall feelings are mixed. It is a great place to visit during the quieter times, but I imagine when busy I would probably just give it a miss. And it IS pricey, as you would expect, but all this means that it would be a once in a while treat, rather than a local for me, at least if I lived nearby. Worth Seeking though.

Last Visit: Saturday 28th October, 2006.
Nov 05, 2006
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Reviewed by surfadelic23 from Florida

3.8/5  rDev -3.3%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5
This was the final pub on our Saturday night crawl. It is located in or near the borough market. This one is really modern and I'm sure the atmosphere will improve with age. It is very small. They had two hand pumps on and the ales we tried were quite nice. They have a very good selection of drafts, including Sierra Nevada Pale Ale! The high light is the bottle selection. I saw U.S. beers I can't even find in my part of the States! The best beer we had here was the Aventinus that Rob bought. What a fantastic brew! I would definitely check this place out if you're in the market visiting Utobeer or at the Market Porter, as it's a pretty close walk too.
***Second Visit***
We hit the rake twice on our last visit 20th and 27th October. They still have two casks on and they were both from smaller breweries. In addition, they never had the same thing on either night. All beers tried were in excellent condition As noted, it is REALLY small and gets quite crowded.
***THIRD VISIT***
October 2009. We had an nice liyyle tasting here which the mgmt was happy enough to encourage for a few samples...
Oct 29, 2006
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Reviewed by wl0307 from England

4.24/5  rDev +7.9%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
Finally I got the chance to visit this new bar last week, on a super fine Saturday afternoon. The place is tucked away down from the Borough Market along the Stoney Street and on the right of Winchester Walk. As it's situated right beside a garage and car park, passersby from both direction could very well miss this tiny place. The three-storey building itself looks old-ish, with modest light brown brick exterior, but the contrasted bright dark blue paint of the ground-floor converted bar tells something about the character of the place, to fit in with other trendy places nearby I suppose.

The inner space is really small, equipped with a narrow bar, some tall round tables and tall stools allowing approx. 15 punters to stand and drink in. The beer garden is larger though; covered with huge umbrellas, many IKEA -tyle fold-able garden furnitures, and finished with wooden-framed flooring, the space allows much air and has the capacity to take in 30 people more esp. on a busy Saturday afternoon/evening. Interestingly, the toilet belonging to the car park behind the bar sits right next to the side door of the beer garden, coming in handy for the gentlemen. No music throughout, just easy atmosphere for conversations.

Beer-wise, the small but compact high bar has but 2 handpumps (Dark Star Hophead and Over the Moon) and one real cider/perry on the side, as foreign beers are the real hit here. 6 taps serve regular choices like Maisels Weisse, Veltine Pils, Sierr Nevada Pale Ale and the rest from an ever-changing list of draught beers in four categories: Germany, Belgium, US, and fruit beers, all 19 of them on the beer menu. Good stuffs include Duchess de Bourgogne, Grottenbier, St. Bernadus 12, Sierra Nevada Pale Bock, Tripel Karmelite, Gaffel Kolsch!!!! Alas, on my visit only Brugse Zot, Liefmans Frambozen and Anchor Steam were available on top of the three regulars. But for those interested in bottled ones, the two large fridges behind the bar display very very smart choices as well, with an extensive list of around 100 beers coming from the sister business UTOBEER, a specialist beer stall in the nearby Borough Market.

I was lucky to have a chat with familiar faces from UTOBEER (the owner and a young staff), and they were genuinely helpful with upcoming beers and related info. But when one doesn't talk to them they are really poker face at best I'm afraid. The price is at "Borough Market"-level, i.e. bl**dy pricey!... starting from 2.6 quid for a pint of real ale and 3.2 for a pint of Veltins, then spiralling upwards... some of the bottles, rare as they are, can reach 8 pounds at the bar, while being sold at less than 4 at the nearby UTOBEER stall. So, for me, I'd go there once in a while on a sunny Friday or Saturday afternoon to explore their interesting offers on draught, be it British, US or Continental. As for bottled nectars, a two-minute walk to UTOBEER afterwards should make me a real happy bunny for the day.
Oct 02, 2006
The Rake in London, GB2, United Kingdom
Place rating: 3.93 out of 5 with 35 ratings