West London pub guide - information about pubs and bars in West London # beerintheevening.com

West London pub and bar guide

Here's a guide to the pubs and bars of West London - good or bad, we bring you the most talked about venues and the places you have to visit at least once. We've included a few user reviews, to give you an idea of what to expect when you get there. Or you can follow the links to see full details and all reviews for each pub.

The Fox, Hanwell

Address: Green Lane, Hanwell, London, W7 2PJ [map]
Phone: 020 8567 3912
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Nearest train stations: Hanwell (0.6 miles), Drayton Green (1.2 miles), West Ealing (1.3 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Called in early the other Saturday lunchtime. Had choice of regulars of Pride and Landlord or one of two guests from Archers. we got tasters of both guests but neither appealed (had Archers best bitter in the past which was good) so we both settled on Landlord. A bit pricey beer but good value food offering which made up for it. It then started to rain properly (it was summer after all) so we had a couple pints more.

3 Oct 2008 14:34

I think its unfair to say that three ales on represent limited choice. Beer is always in perfect condition andf thats what counts.

3 Oct 2008 12:35

Fab! Came back again today; good selection of ales, and a tasting offered. The barmaid remembered me, the missus and the little'un. Top food, lovely atmosphere.

Can't fault it...

27 Aug 2008 22:42

The Warrington Hotel, Maida Vale

Address: 93 Warrington Crescent, Maida Vale, London, W9 1EH [map]
Phone: 020 7286 2929
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Nearest tube stations: Warwick Avenue (0.2 miles), Maida Vale (0.3 miles), Royal Oak (0.6 miles)

Nearest train stations: Kilburn High Road (0.9 miles), London Paddington (0.9 miles), London Marylebone (1 mile)

Reviews by BITE users:

First visit since the revamp from yours truly last Saturday.

Yes, some of the "wow factor" of the internal decor has gone, but there is still much to admire, particularly the art nouveau glasswork.

There's 3 real ales regularly on - Adnams Broadside, Fullers Pride and Greene King IPA - all at £ 2.90p , which, I suppose makes the Broadside reasonably good value by London price standards.

Inevitably, its more food orientated now, but drinkers are still catered for and don't feel out of place.

Disappointingly, but not surprisingly, there was no sign ( or sound !) of the effing and blinding shouty one - which was a shame as I was feeling a bit grouchy myself that day.

Still worth going out of your way to visit in my book

18 Jun 2008 13:38

I too was there on a cold night and asked why the fires were not alight. I was told by the duty bar manager (?) that the fires were no loger lit (after 150 years without an incident) because of Health and Safety laws. Absolute bollocks. For "Health and Safety" read "We can't be ARSED". Do us all a favour somebody, buy this pub back off these nincompoops. Please.

24 Apr 2008 11:27

I cannot believe that Gordons designers have done such a comprehensive job of wrecking the Warrington. There is no atmosphere any more. The furniture is appalling. The seating is uncomfortable. The lighting is dreadfull. The small bar is dark, dreary and cold. The fires can not be light any more. The bar staff are re-employed waiters. Their personalities have been removed before they go to work. This pub used to have a large number of regular customers from all walks of life but most of them have not returned as they no longer like the place

12 Apr 2008 11:45

The Royal Exchange, Paddington

Address: 26, Sale Place, Paddington, London, W2 1PU [map]
Phone: 020 7723 3781
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Nearest tube stations: Edgware Road (0.2 miles), Paddington (0.4 miles), Marylebone (0.4 miles)

Nearest train stations: London Paddington (0.3 miles), London Marylebone (0.4 miles), South Hampstead (1.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

dgriffen - a TRUE believer - quite agree with you....(repeat several times!)

1 May 2008 13:45

I love this wee old fashioned Pub, its always friendly and has a great mix of people. I dont get down to visit this pub much but I do really like it.

29 Apr 2008 11:40

I love this wee old fashioned Pub, its always friendly and has a great mix of people. I dont get down to visit this pub much but I do really like it.

29 Apr 2008 11:38

The North Star, Ealing

Address: 43 The Broadway, London, W5 5JN [map]
Phone: 0871 917 0007 (ext 53)
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Nearest tube stations: Ealing Broadway (0.1 miles), North Ealing (0.7 miles), Ealing Common (0.7 miles)

Nearest train stations: Ealing Broadway (0.1 miles), West Ealing (0.8 miles), Drayton Green (1.2 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Good pub and good food. But bar service is really slow, and that's consistent. They just don't have enough staff, ever. Also I've been there a few times when they seem to run out of beer after beer. Still a good place to go, but expect the service to be slow and you'll have a good night.

4 Oct 2008 01:33

Yes the service can be slow BUT the pub looks and feels great. Nice vibes and good choice of draught. Go during early week to chillout

23 Sep 2008 23:52

Was in the normally very good North Star last night. Only 1 of the usual four real ales was on and the 3 bar staff that were serving were desperately slow. Also, there was some truly abysmal live music on in the front bar that made conversation in the back bar very difficult.

Having waited at the bar for 10 minutes getting nowhere fast I gave up and went elsewhere.

The manager of this place needs to pull his socks up.

19 Sep 2008 15:52

Red Lion, Ealing

Address: 13 St Marys Road, Ealing, London, W5 5RA [map]
Phone: 020 8567 2541
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Nearest tube stations: South Ealing (0.5 miles), Ealing Broadway (0.6 miles), Northfields (0.8 miles)

Nearest train stations: Ealing Broadway (0.5 miles), West Ealing (0.8 miles), Drayton Green (1.2 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Pleasant pub, very good choice of beers warm & cosy in the Winter (If you can find a seat!) mix of ladies-who-lunch types who'll demolish several bottles of wine in a session, some media luvvies, retired Gents and real ale session Men! Usually packed, but GOOD atmosphere! I'd recommend.

5 May 2008 10:35

Great pub. Nice and cosy. Friendly service. Great food. Good choice of beers.

23 Feb 2008 18:28

Probably the best pub in Ealing, though I'd agree with the poster below that the staff are a little surly sometimes. The landlord seems decent enough, but I always feel like I'm putting him out a bit. Howver, he's done a good job of providing meals without losing the 'local' feel of the place.

14 Feb 2008 10:52

The Dove Inn, Hammersmith

Address: 19 Upper Mall, Hammersmith, London, W6 9TA [map]
Phone: 0871 917 0007 (ext 159)
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Nearest tube stations: Ravenscourt Park (0.3 miles), Stamford Brook (0.5 miles), Hammersmith (0.6 miles)

Nearest train stations: Kensington Olympia (1.3 miles), Barnes Bridge (1.5 miles), Chiswick (1.6 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Over the past 5 years I’ve spent quite a few Friday afternoons in the Dove and I have always left in a better mood than I was when I walked in. I think that the staff have improved since my first ever visit and the drink is still of a good standard.

As afternoon turns into evening it can get a little hair raising negotiating all of the stairs to the back off the pub and avoiding the bustling waitresses with plates of food, but it keeps you on your toes.

This is definitely the best pub that I have been into on the North bank of the Thames between Hammersmith and Kew Bridge.

17 Apr 2008 17:45

this place has been a favourite of mine for a few years now tho I don't get to go there nearly often enough. Until recently the food has been nothing better than average. However yesterday I thoroughly enjoyed a meal of stuffed figs followed by salmon. Both were cooked to perfection and it is obvious that food is becoming more of a focus. The Beer also was fresh and well served by friendly staff. I'll definetly return, Well done.

10 Apr 2008 01:00

Unchanged since my last visit a year or so ago. It oozes history from every nook and cranny of its dark wooden interior. It has what is claimed to be the smallest bar anywhere on the right as you go in the pub – but I have never been in it as there have always been a couple of drinkers already in there, and three would definitely be a crowd! Excellent views of the river from the terrace, and superb Fullers ales make this a “must visit” pub on any visit to the area. Nonetheless, for some reason on which I cannot put my finger, I find this pub a bit pretentious. The food’s not cheap, but it does not pretend to be a backstreet boozer – so you “pays yer money and takes yer choice”! But on the whole I really do like this pub, and would recommend it.

5 Apr 2008 21:44

The Salutation, Hammersmith

Address: 154 King Street, Hammersmith, London, W6 0QU
Phone: 020 8748 3668
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Reviews by BITE users:

Before I stepped foot into this place I had visions of a dark and dank beer pit, but I was pleasantly surprised. A skylight illuminates the pub and the doors in the conservatory leading to the ample patio garden let the pub aerate. The adding of the conservatory also makes the pub much larger than one would assume from the front of the building.

The drinks on offer were ESB, Pride, HSB, Discovery and standard lagers. I’ve read the raving reviews of this pub in the past so I decided to ditch the usual Lager tipple and plumped for a Discovery, which was very nice.

The staff were friendly and with the Sky TV I could imagine sitting in here a lot more if it was local to me.

3 Jun 2008 16:41

Good pub, I have had many a pleasant afternoon here, good beer and a change from the usual garbage round here

28 May 2008 17:12

Ah, the old weatherspoon argument. I am an advocate of the Salutation and firmly believe the quality of product is reflected in the price. Maybe Phillipher should ask to see the dates on the barrels in the cellar of the plough and harrow and compare to the Salutation. Weatherspoons are notorious for short dated beer which is reflected in the quality and the price.

18 Apr 2008 15:41

The Defector's Weld, Shepherds Bush

Address: 170, Uxbridge Rd, Shepherds Bush, London, W12 8AA [map]
Phone: 020 8749 0008
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Nearest tube stations: Shepherd's Bush (0.2 miles), Goldhawk Road (0.3 miles), White City (0.5 miles)

Nearest train stations: Kensington Olympia (0.8 miles), West Brompton (1.8 miles), Acton Central (1.9 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Much better than when it used to be Edwards!!!

.

26 Sep 2008 23:34

Great pub, great

26 Sep 2008 23:28

I'm not going to have a go about the BBC types, especially given the lack of choice in the area. But what I really can't stand is when bar staff leave you standing there for ages, and just rudely walk past going nowhere in particular. I end up in here before going to the music venue but in future I'll take my chances elsewhere. What does it really cost to just say 'be with you in a minute'???

5 Sep 2008 17:34

The Blue Anchor, Hammersmith

Address: 13 Lower Mall, London, W6 9DJ [map]
Phone: 020 87485774
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Nearest tube stations: Ravenscourt Park (0.4 miles), Hammersmith (0.4 miles), Stamford Brook (0.8 miles)

Nearest train stations: Kensington Olympia (1.1 miles), Barnes Bridge (1.6 miles), West Brompton (1.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

The refurb took me by suprise. Been quite a while since last had a pint there. Bit more space & the atmosphere still remains the same. To be honest, they could have replaced the place with a portacabin & it still wouldn't have much effect - the view makes up for any inconsistencies with the refurb...

9 Jun 2008 15:06

Location to die for on the north bank of the river (therefore a real sun trap). Unpretentious menu. One of the best places in London for a simple lunchtime bite Monday thru Friday, weather permitting. Can be too popular on summer weekends. A bottle (or glass) of white wine from their imaginative list and a pint of shell-on prawns, with brown bread and butter, will hit the spot. Eat either outside or in the room upstairs, both overlooking the river. Only 5 mins walk from Hammersmith tube.

1 Jun 2008 11:55

Just awesome really. Riverside location with some of the best views in London. Drank outside until the sun went in and then sat in their upstairs bar with panoramic views of the river. I think the pub has been done up great (never realised it was so historic!). Good selection of food on the menu and given the quality of the food and location of the pub we all thought it was awesome value. Looking forward to returning this weekend.

14 May 2008 15:33

The Mad Bishop and Bear, Paddington

Address: The Lawn, Paddington Station, London, W2 1HB [map]
Phone: 020 7402 2441
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Nearest tube stations: Paddington (0.1 miles), Edgware Road (0.4 miles), Lancaster Gate (0.4 miles)

Nearest train stations: London Paddington (0.2 miles), London Marylebone (0.7 miles), Kilburn High Road (1.6 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Surprisingly not shit for a station pub (like the Head of Steam before it, over Euston way). Decent selection of beers, but the food is generally pretty rough. Zero atmosphere, but worth a visit if you've 20 minutes before departure.

16 Mar 2008 11:48

Actually not bad. You would not make a trip just to go there but for a quick pint with somebody before they get the train or meeting somebody off the train, it is quite good. Much better than most station bars.

4 Mar 2008 11:17

This is not bad at all for a pub in a major rail tation. Good atmosphere, good staff and an ever changing clientel. Congrats to Fullers!

26 Feb 2008 15:19

The Elm, West Kensington

Address: 206 North End Road, London, W14 9NX [map]
Phone: 020 7385 2205
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Nearest tube stations: West Kensington (0.3 miles), West Brompton (0.4 miles), Barons Court (0.6 miles)

Nearest train stations: West Brompton (0.4 miles), Kensington Olympia (0.9 miles), Putney (2 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Very basic boozer. Staff were frendly and they have a great little court yart out the back. good music playing also!!

15 Apr 2008 08:52

Great working class boozer - takes you back to the 70's. Really glad there are still places like this thriving in Fulham. And long may it continue.

12 Apr 2008 22:13

WOW. My friend Robin and I were just two american "birds" visiting London for vacation or "holiday" On our first night we stumbled upon the elm on north end. the crowd was quiet at first but warmed up to us quickly. we ended up going there every night for a "night cap" and became great friends with all the folks there. They were so friendly, fun, and helpful to us (suggestions on places to go etc) We had a wonderful time. If you like people and are friendly this is the place to go! again, a great group of true londoners! Can not wait to go back!

27 Mar 2008 17:39

Paradise By Way Of Kensal Green, Kensal Green

Address: 19 Kilburn Lane, London, W10 4AE [map]
Phone: 020 8969 0098
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Nearest tube stations: Kensal Green (0.4 miles), Kensal Rise (0.4 miles), Queens Park (0.6 miles)

Nearest train stations: Kensal Rise (0.4 miles), Kensal Green (0.5 miles), Queens Park - London (0.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Very pretty refurb, IMO, but the preening, swaggering demeanour of many of the patrons makes this a tedious, wannabe destination venue and too much hard work.

Fact of the Day: this bar is owned by the same people who brought you the Old Queens Head in Islington, the Westbury in Kilburn and the Queen Boadecia in Clerkenwell.

But then seanporter (below) is all to aware of this fact, aren't you, Sean?

16 Jun 2008 15:15

I've never been to this place, but it's name is a literary allusion (to a Chesterton poem), rather than "trite public school wordplay".

8 Apr 2008 10:38

A fine point made by the last poster....I have actually been working in London media for 20 years and can't afford a bare tenth of the gastro-fayre on offer in our capital - if the British Class War has now descended down to the level of Bangers and Mash then god help us all. The trite public-school wordplay in the pub name too speaks volumes for the kind of clientele this pub no doubt wishes to attract amidst the jarring and hopeless "transformation" of another North West London grief hole.

3 Apr 2008 10:16

The Churchill Arms, Kensington

Address: 119 Kensington Church Street, London, W8 7LN [map]
Phone: 020 7727 4242
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Nearest tube stations: Notting Hill Gate (0.2 miles), High Street Kensington (0.4 miles), Queensway (0.5 miles)

Nearest train stations: Kensington Olympia (1 mile), London Paddington (1.1 miles), West Brompton (1.4 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

this place is living off its reputation,I dont think they care anymore.

12 Jun 2008 19:43

this pub is the fu*%ing nuts and the landlord is a legend!y fave pub in london for sure! I live in clapham but consider this my local.i don't drink a huge amount of bitter but they seem to have a fair amount on tap. the lager is well kept and plentiful! the thai food is wicked and cheap. its an oasis of countryside charm in central(ish) london!i would reccomend it to anyone! only problem is that it does get rammed but that just means you have to get there earlier, no bad thing.

1 May 2008 11:52

Reliable and consistent. Full of quirky locals and has a feel of a loved pub. Very busy and slow service, the thai food is good but you have to get used to the way it all works in there. There are not many better pubs in the area.

6 Jan 2008 15:13

The Victoria, Bayswater

Address: 10a, Strathearn Place, London, W2 2NH [map]
Phone: 020 7724 1191
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Nearest tube stations: Lancaster Gate (0.2 miles), Paddington (0.5 miles), Edgware Road (0.5 miles)

Nearest train stations: London Paddington (0.3 miles), London Marylebone (0.7 miles), London Victoria (1.8 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Best pub for miles around, friendly staff, good beer, great food & excellent atmosphere - why go anywhere else!!

15 Jun 2008 23:58

Fullers Pub of the Year for a Reason! Great Londlord, good local, never any trouble, excellent food. All around excellence on every level.

3 Feb 2008 23:52

Visited this pub for the first time yesterday. The beer was good and the staff were attentive. It is indeed a lovely pub of the kind that seem to be disappearing in London. Just a couple of gripes: there was a musty/damp smell coming from somewhere and my friend and I were constantly swiping little black flies away from our drinks, which suggests that the pub could be cleaner than it actually is.

18 Jan 2008 10:29

The Cumberland Arms, West Kensington

Address: 29 North End Road, West Kensington, London, W14 8SZ [map]
Phone: 020 7371 6806
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Nearest tube stations: Kensington (Olympia) (0.3 miles), West Kensington (0.3 miles), Barons Court (0.3 miles)

Nearest train stations: Kensington Olympia (0.3 miles), West Brompton (0.8 miles), London Paddington (2.2 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

I really like this place..I've taken two friends who've felt the same too. Lovely to sit next to the cosy open fire with a large glass of wine. Never eaten here but the food looks and smells lovely!

9 May 2008 17:49

great little place!!! staff frendly, great wine selection on offer. did not eat but food looked good.

15 Apr 2008 08:55

Quality pub: I judge this on the fact that I went in for an informal corporate drink + lunch and then spent the entire afternoon and evening rooted to the spot. London Pride and Tim Taylor were both excellently kept but unfortunately the Harveys had run out by the time I decided a change was needed.

Nice little sun trap by the side of the pub which was conducive to a bit of alfresco eating and drinking on an overcast day in April so I can only guess this will be better in the Summer months. Menu exotic by some pub standards but all who ate thoroughly enjoyed the grub. Hate to use the term ‘gastro-pub’ as this sometimes conjures up the sterility offered by the chain gastro joints and sterile this wasn’t.

Inside the pub is equally pleasant: Almost rustic, certainly comfortable and welcomingly un-pretentious.

I’ll definitely remember this one for the next time I’m in the area.

10 Apr 2008 13:15

More information

Want to find out more about pubs in West London? Why not have a look at our advanced pub search or full text pub search? You might also want to browse pubs by county or region. Or have some fun with the random pub crawl generator.