The Draft House, Northcote Rd | Battersea | Others

We're not usually ones to recommend or review chain restaurants and bars here at the daterbase. We feel we'd lose some credibility (oh, what little we have) if we were to tell you about a "cute little Starbucks on the Strand", or "Putney's secret beauty, Pizza Express". That said, we don't feel like we're breaking our own rules by telling you about this small group or independent, American-style pubs. OK, so we're not reinventing the wheel or revealing a cure for the common cold by recommending the Draft House. They have, after all, been in existence since 2006, with this Northcote Rd version opening its doors in 2009); but this place is a first date gem.

Let's get the negatives out of the way first. It does appear that the Draft House is suffering from a minor identity crisis. Not quite sure whether to pitch itself as a classy pub serving decent food, or a restaurant with a strong and healthy drinks menu, you do get the impression that it is somewhat hogging the middle ground. But we're not trying to be AA Gill here. And yes, it gets busy; Sunday afternoons attract young parents and their children and large groups of branching twenty-somethings, meaning finding a table or popping in for a bite to eat are almost impossible without booking ahead. But the evenings are when this place really comes into its own.

The Draft House specialises in beer (the clue's in the name) and it boasts a vast array of eclectic and adventurous bottled and cask ales from micro breweries you might have heard of, and some you definitely won't. What's more, they sell draft beers by the third of a pint (perfect for sampling) meaning you won't be forced to nurse your way through a pint of the liquid equivalent of school dinner semolina whilst your date sips away on their much better choice. But don't be put off by the onslaught of beers as you walk through the door. The bar staff are friendly and knowledgeable and will help you make the right choice. If, however, beer is just not for you (perhaps you shouldn't be in a pub called the Draft House in the first place), but the small yet solid wine list is a more than satisfactory substitute. 

The food is better than standard pub fare, too. Burgers, steaks and hotdogs dominate the menu, reminding you of the Draft House's American influence, but there is more than enough choice to keep you and your date happy. If you do decide to eat here, the side orders are a real winner - the mac 'n' cheese really hit the spot for us (we obviously felt we were lacking in carbohydrates from our monster burger in a bun and chips). The Northcote Rd venue also has a nice secluded dining area at the back and if you can bag a table on one of the Draft House's quieter evenings, it would make a perfect haven in which to impress your date; but pulling a chair up to the bar will feel nearly as private and will provide a more informal atmosphere to your evening. 

However, better still, eat in one of Nothcote Rd's other restaurants (The Thai, Franco Manca and KaoSarn are our current favourites) and call in here to nurse your full stomachs with a pint or two of real ale.

Of course, it is a beer lovers pub, and you will enjoy this place much more if you dig your craft beers, but the atmosphere here means it is a must for any Northcote Rd date. Oh, and go here soon. The owner has revealed his plans to have fifteen Draft Houses in the capital by 2015; and you know our thoughts on chain bars!