The Hope (Bar)

Top 10 things you need to know about The Hope pub, Wandsworth:

1) Dead battery, no 3G, or just generally terrible at directions? Relax. Lost cats use this place as a reference point it’s that easy to find. Hop off at Wandsworth Common station (park side) and you’ll see it standing tall opposite the beautifully fresh grass of the common.

2) At the end of 2015 they nailed the new refurb: exposed brick, rustic wooden walls, and great seating areas for decent sized gatherings or one-to-ones utilising the modern lighting spreading a cosy, orange glow across the room.

3) Weeknights you’ll likely be surrounded by locals. Not your red faced, I’ve-been-sitting-at-the-bar-too-long kind of locals, but a Wandsworth Common kind of local, with well-groomed dogs and nice shoes. Yes, they’re dog friendly.

4) If you can leg it out of work early and arrive before 7pm (Mon-Weds), try their craft cocktails for a fiver; worth getting the order in before your date turns up.

5) If it’s mates not dates, let them sort you out with a homemade burger and a beer for under a tenner every Wednesday. Nice to see that trusty duo still kicking about in the London boroughs.

6) Their sourdough bread is an incredibly tasty opener to an even tastier menu. If you’re being indecisive or on a budget, go for 3 small plates for £13. NB; 3 dishes for one person is punchy. They’re big.

7) The confit duck with chutney & toasted bread is brilliantly flavoursome and their squid is cooked perfectly - none of those rubbery-stringy-greasy attempts here.

8) They’ve got the pub classics covered with bangers and mash, fish and chips and shepherd’s pie as larger dishes, all at decent prices but a cut above your usual pub standards.

9) If you’ve never understood the hype about sticky toffee pudding, that ends here. Order it. It’s insane. It definitely deserves a whole point on this list for praise. Don’t order one to share. You need your own, entirely.

10) A younger crowd descends at the weekend, particularly during the summer months thanks to a strong spread of outside seating. Despite the road, it’s a pretty dreamy destination next to the open span of the common. Fresh air, great food and lovely staff; a first-rate find....read more