The term estate pub doesn’t have the nicest ring to it. Still, when the selection of beer is this good who cares about location, location, location. Besides, this is an estate Pimlico style.

The Venue
This pub’s appeal has nothing to do with its location or aesthetics. Nestled into a 70s housing estate, Cask, formerly the Pimlico Tram, almost blends into the flats that surround it. If it weren’t for the flashes of black signage you’d hardly notice it was there at all. Inside, it’s small and pretty bleak. A nice touch is the bench seating with in-built heaters - very welcome in the winter - cheered up by a few cushions. Otherwise tables and chairs are sandwiched firmly into place. The large windows do a good job of lighting up the bar area and in the evening a selection of candelabras are lit, which is borderline romantic. Well, as romantic as you can get in an estate pub. A large map spanning one of the walls is a thoughtful touch but it’s the bar and its rows of draught pumps that really catch the eye. And that’s the real reason that the punters come here. It’s certainly not for the decor.

The Atmosphere
Although locals from the housing estate in which it sits make up a large contingent of the customer base here, there’s not an overriding feeling of animosity towards newcomers. Workers from nearby offices have cottoned onto Cask and it has a reputation for excellent beer so you’ll also find customers who have chosen to seek it out. The staff are incredibly friendly and make sure that everyone who steps through the door is made to feel welcome. Their obvious passion for beer shines through – just what you want from a pub famed for its draught selection.

The Food
There is a selection of food on offer at Cask, although it takes a back seat to the beer. Burgers, Sunday roasts and, strangely, dishes like sea bass have all been known to sneak onto the menu. Most dishes come in at under a tenner, and lunchtimes are a popular time for ordering food here. After 6pm it’s all about the beer.

The Drink
Cask has around eight taps of real ale, including half-a-dozen taps of lager and row upon row of bottled beer and cider. The ale changes regularly but Thornbridge, Dark Star, Rothaus wheat beer and Everard's Tiger all make regular appearances here. Even the lager is better than average with unusual choices, such as Moravka, a traditional Czech-style beer brewed in the UK, alongside your usual pub staples. If you manage to work your way through the draught beers without falling over then there’s a huge choice of Belgian and German bottled beers, including an unusual Bamberg Rauchbier with a smoky flavour. It’s no surprise that this little unassuming estate pub has made such a name for itself.

The Last Word
If a good range of beer is what you look for in a pub, then Cask is the perfect watering hole. If you want to be visually stimulated whilst you have a drink, then you may be better off elsewhere.

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