London – Southwark (Borough of) – The Italian Job at Mercato Metropolitano

OK, I’ll didn’t like the Italian Job I visited yesterday. Actually, I entirely hated it. But, there was something wrong there as it was well-reviewed and the chain seems to be on the up. So, I wanted to visit another outlet.

This is their outlet at Mercato Metropolitano, all nicely presented and clearly signed.

The staff member was engaging, warm and welcoming, as well as being knowledgeable about the beers that they had. They had Voodoo Logic from Trouble Brewing, but it was early on and that’s a very punchy imperial stout for a lunch-time visit. I was pleased at the selection though, well-balanced and intriguing, a country mile from the other outlet I visited yesterday.

I went for the Westway Pale Ale from the Portobello Brewing Company, as I felt like something light and refreshing and it’s a local ale from London. Citrusy and light, it wasn’t perhaps packed with flavour, but was pleasant enough with a suitable lingering aftertaste.

But, overall, this was a decent little outlet and I felt welcome. They don’t do food here as there are tens of other stands offering that at the market, but it’s worth a visit for anyone in the locality. And, with that, I can say that the Italian Job experience of yesterday can be forgotten.