Winds of change blow for Draft House

With two daughters now living in Clahpam, London, I am now taking a renewed interest in pubs south of the river.

One of a five-strong chain, this buzzing pub is one of the new wave of boozers that is putting the heart back into one of the many communities which helps make up village London.

Northcote Road is between Wandsworth and Clapham Commons and is most days home to stalls of all kinds, selling everything from petunias to pies and pashminas. And as the upcome area is home to many young professional couples its pavements can seem overwhelmed by their children’s over-engineered three wheeled push chairs and buggies.

The Draft House was opened in 2009 and is one new breed of pubs to take the provenance of beer, its storage and serving very seriously. Conceived by Charlie McVeigh, it is relaxed and stylish and a place where café chic meets stylish bar. Its aim is simple – it is a place to experience great beer and good food, whether you are alone or with a crowd.

The Draft House is home to some of the world’s greatest beers – with more than 20 available on draft and an even greater number in bottles.

Its ever changing list always includes examples from the Meantime and Sambrook breweries, there is always something of interest, including from time to time unfiltered lagers such as Budvar’s krausened Yeast beer or beers from the some of America’s finest including Dogfish Head’s powerful Palo Alto at 12 per cent ABV, or Left Hand’s exquisite Milk Stout

And if you cannot decide what to drink it is also it is also home to the third of a pint, or even a pint of three thirds enabling drinkers to easily experience the wide range of colours aromas and tastes which make today’s beer culture so exciting.

The Draft House,

94 Northcote Road, Clapham, SW11 6QW