The Rake, in Borough Market, is an award winning bar specialising in beer and packing in an incredible amount of variety into a very small space.
The bar is owned by Richard Dinwoodie and Mike Hill – the two owners of Utobeer – and is a true haven for beer connoisseurs, with the beer changing pretty near every single day. The Rake is one of a number of bars flourishing at the moment by providing rare and interesting craft beers and they advertise, on a yellow sign above the bar, that there’s to be ‘No crap on tap’. Typically the fridges behind the bar have 130 beers to supplement the diverse range available on tap. You’ll find beers here that you won’t find anywhere else in London or the rest of the country. This can mean that you end up paying a premium for your pint, but the staff will generously warn you if you’re about to buy something extortionate. To see how much they know and care about beer check out their blog.
There’s a rumour that The Rake is the smallest bar in London, but apparently this is not true, nor is it something they’ve ever laid claim to themselves (according to their website). However, the bar is very small and it can be a squeeze at the best of times. Whether able bodied or less able, it’s normally best to sit outside in the garden – not a suggestion you would normally want to hear at this time of year but they have heaters out there to keep you warm. While we’re busting myths we should also mention that, despite having once visited for a photo shoot, Mylene Klass is not a regular at The Rake, so don’t expect to see her in there, washing down any pieces of Ed Miliband still stuck in her teeth.
Despite its diminutive size The Rake is reasonably accessible. There is a large step at the main entrance but you can come in through the garden, which in this case doesn’t feel like coming in through the back as it opens onto the back of Borough Market and is just another way in. They do have an adapted toilet, but it doubles as the ladies. This is not ideal but seems fairly reasonable given the lack of space to play with and the state of the men’s toilet.
This is a cool bar with an astounding range of beer and reasonable but not ideal access. We give The Rake 2 BBS Ticks.
