Part of our Best Pubs in London microsite. See if we've included your local.
We're in two minds about this place. Not because it's lacking in any way, but is it a pub? Tucked in a backstreet beneath the rail arches, it's much more bar-like than pubbish, and self-describes as a taproom. Yet it stocks a phenomenal range of ales and ciders, so we feel duty-bound to include it. To hell with definitions... it's going in the Best Pubs database.
Mother Kelly, whoever she is, clearly attracts a certain craft ale stereotype. Showing up at 6.30pm on a Wednesday night, half the occupants were tapping away on MacBooks (not a single PC), and beards were in no short supply.
The staff are enormously helpful, and need to be. One can choose from 23 taps, using a numbered menu to decide. If that's not enough for you, a row of help-yourself fridges is stuffed with bottled beers from around the world, which can be taken away. Not a place to ask if they stock London Pride.
Space is a bit limited to incorporate a proper kitchen, but simple bar snacks such as a meatboard, bread and olives can be procured. Street food vendors can also be found nearby on Thur-Sun.
The vibe of the place is supposedly inspired by New York craft ale bars, and Mother Kelly wears her muse on her sleeve.
The owners have since opened a second venue in Vauxhall along the same lines, with much more space.
On Twitter as @motherkellyse2. On Facebook. On Instagram.
Last updated September 2018.
