The Hope

I've just spent the last two gloriously warm, sunny Sundays here and had to add it to the site. This pub was originally recommended to me by a friend because of their food, which is great, but I've since come to realise that The Hope has a lot more to offer besides.

It overlooks Wandsworth Common and is right across the bridge from the railway station, so it's very easy to find. As the pub faces the park, they're more than willing to give you your drinks in plastic cups to take to the common (I know, not very green, but a lovely idea on a hot day). They have an extensive range of beers on tap, including Fruli, one of my favourite summer tipples, as well as Staropramen, Peroni, Deuchars and other pale and real ales. They also have lots of board games scattered about the place - and in my experience, a pub with a decent Scrabble set is always a winner.

The food is aspirational and well-executed, considering the size of the tiny kitchen! I have never had to wait more than 10-15 minutes for it to arrive, either. Everything is served in immense white plate-bowls (v. technical term) giving a gastropub feel. Prices are very reasonable considering the type of restaurants and shops further up the road, which would explain how busy they are. Something they've recently introduced for the summer is that they will prepare picnic baskets of food, wine and all utensils for you if you order with a little advance notice. Given that the pub itself has been packed out for the last two weekends running and the gorgeous common beckons, this is something I'd like to try out very soon.

I haven't been here in the winter yet but I'd be very interested to keep coming back and see how it changes with the seasons. For now, with the excellent weather we've been having, I'd happily recommend it to anyone as a laid-back, suntrap of a weekend hangout.