On 21 May a group of pub lovers came together for the second Bob Steel Memorial Walk. The plan was to follow the route of walk 24 from the third edition (2016) of CAMRA’s London Pub Walks, written by the late Bob Steel. It was good to see that, of the seven pubs described in the book, six remain open and selling cask beer. The Trafalgar in South Wimbledon has sadly closed but the walk was restored to seven pubs by the inclusion of the ‘try-also’ Hagen & Hyde in Balham.
The route follows the Northern Line from Clapham South to South Wimbledon and the walking distance can therefore be reduced by use of public transport. Starting at the Nightingale (SW12 8NX), which is a Young’s pub, we progressed to the Balham Bowls Club (SW12 8QX) and then Hagan & Hyde (SW12 9AU). Both of these are operated by Antic. Next, at Tooting Bec, was the Wheatsheaf (SW17 7PG), run by Urban Pubs & Bars, followed by the Grade II-listed King’s Head, now run by Greene King. The Antelope (SW17 9NG), near Tooting Broadway, another Antic outlet, followed and our final stop was the Sultan (SW19 1BT), London’s only Hop Back Brewery pub. There we were welcomed by a number of friends who had been with us in spirit.
It was encouraging to note that none of the pubs had changed ownership since the book was published. In particular, none of the three Antic pubs were transferred to Portobello in 2020 and the Young’s pub remains with Young’s. Many of the pubs sold a ‘LocAle’ but the Sultan offered the largest choice of cask ale – from Wiltshire.
Thanks to all who joined the walk for all or part of the day.
Dave Lands