Sometimes at the end of a hard week what you really want is a pint of cool (not cold) ale. Perhaps an ice-cold beer too (especially in these summery pre-summer months we're having). As you sup that golden ale it makes all the rest of the week dwindle into history - that first Friday night pint can make you forget partners, papers, completions and clients. In short, it's miracle brew - that special stuff that makes you proud of your drinking heritage. It's probably what inspired Blake to conclude that Jesus himself had planted his feet on these mountains green. Possibly.
If he did, there's a possibility he considered it whilst sat in the historic Jerusalem Tavern - which has existed in Clerkenwell village in some form or other since 1140 - that's before the University of Cambridge and in the formative years of the University of Oxford. The JT is a national treasure and has survived wars, referendums and centuries of disgruntled workers drowning their sorrows and gearing up for the weekend. In recent years, rather fittingly, it has come under the control of St Peters Brewery. St Peter and Jerusalem - it seems a divine mix.
Clearly not stocked at God's tavern
The pub itself is practically a museum with exposed walls and oddly secluded tables - to find a relatively private area in this very intimate (small) pub is almost unthinkable but somehow you can manage it here - although in the summer months the more sociable amongst us tend to filter outside for more raucous interaction. Either way, you'll be happily clutching a cask-drawn pint of St Peters Ale or other beers available at the JT. Drinking anything else is almost a waste of time - when in Rome... etc.
Aside from the pints, you should try the traditional, and very British, food on offer - think sausages and mash and sourdough sandwiches rather than gastropub fish pie. It's simple but very well done - much like the specialist ales on offer. What better way to welcome the weekend. Blake would certainly approve.
http://www.stpetersbrewery.co.uk/london/default.htm
If he did, there's a possibility he considered it whilst sat in the historic Jerusalem Tavern - which has existed in Clerkenwell village in some form or other since 1140 - that's before the University of Cambridge and in the formative years of the University of Oxford. The JT is a national treasure and has survived wars, referendums and centuries of disgruntled workers drowning their sorrows and gearing up for the weekend. In recent years, rather fittingly, it has come under the control of St Peters Brewery. St Peter and Jerusalem - it seems a divine mix.
Clearly not stocked at God's tavern
The pub itself is practically a museum with exposed walls and oddly secluded tables - to find a relatively private area in this very intimate (small) pub is almost unthinkable but somehow you can manage it here - although in the summer months the more sociable amongst us tend to filter outside for more raucous interaction. Either way, you'll be happily clutching a cask-drawn pint of St Peters Ale or other beers available at the JT. Drinking anything else is almost a waste of time - when in Rome... etc.
Aside from the pints, you should try the traditional, and very British, food on offer - think sausages and mash and sourdough sandwiches rather than gastropub fish pie. It's simple but very well done - much like the specialist ales on offer. What better way to welcome the weekend. Blake would certainly approve.
http://www.stpetersbrewery.co.uk/london/default.htm
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