retiredmartin

The last of the London chapters, and West is definitely not best for pubs,

though I feel really bad picking five that are so central, with nothing to show in Feltham of Hayes or Twickenham. Actually, I could never feel sorry for “Twickers“.

My first pick is a Top 20 pub (there’s only 145 of those).

Paddington – The Victoria

Loads of good pubs above Hyde Park; I could have picked the Bear but the Vic has the history on its side.

“A mixed crowd of tourists, locals and drunks (no comment), and the staff were as cheery as you’re ever going to get in central-ish London. Even James noted the age range, someone born in every decade since the 1940s. Midriff and cricket club ties ahoy !“

“Foolishly, I went for the ESB, just like BRAPA does in London, and it was cool, rich and marvellous (NBSS 4). Yes, a 4 ! In London !“

Really good bar snacks, too, and if you ask the staff nicely they’ll show you the wellingtons.

20 minutes walk from the Victoria will take you over the Grand Union into Little Venice and the sort of houses built specifically to feature in a Hugh Grant film (NOT Wonka).

Warwick Avenue – The Warwick Castle

I really like the unfussy Warwick Castle. A pub with Greene King IPA ? In a Peroni glass ?

Why not ? No-one in West London drinks cask anyway, it’s all Peroni and Guinness.

“Do you prefer cash or card ?” I ask.

“I prefer card” . I adore people who tell you their payment preference, the only preference that matters.

It’s a friendly pub, I feel very welcome, and when the hardworking landlady taps me on my shoulder to stretch for the dog bowl I just hope she isn’t reading my notes.

At the door I say “Thank you“, and she says “It’s a pleasure“.

People really DO make the world go round.

As they do in the the self-acclaimed “Best pub in Chiswick”.

Acton – Swan

Well, looks very much like Acton to me, and Mrs RM spent a year there (mainly in the Standard Tandoori I think). She never came here;

Blimey, London pubs look gorgeous at dusk.

“A very decent pint of Landlord, crisp and foamy (NBSS 3.5), at the standard London price of £5.40. Seemingly the beer of choice for the locals and visiting actors, one of whom was tapping his fingers to “Living On A Prayer“.  That’s his hat in the top photo.

And this is the obligatory Toby window.

Back east to the birthplace of such musical giants as Gary Numan, Lily Allen and the quiet bloke from Depeche Mode. And I thought it was the Clash.

Hammersmith – The William Morris

Yes, despite being named after our most famous wallpaper designer this classic Spoons has a dull exterior compared to the Edwardian grandeur of nearby gems, but the carpet makes up for that.

In fact, I may have just picked the Spoons because of the carpet. Or because I couldn’t bring myself to include the one by the river.

“A Spoons is packed with blokes, most of whom are reminiscing about Ireland and about to break into a rendition of ”Fairytale of New York”, rejoicing at their 99p pints of Ruddles“.

As I’ve said before, these aren’t the best pubs, whatever “best” means, they’re just ones I liked. And that’s why I’m not picking the Dodo (table service) or the aforementioned Dove (ugh), talking of which;

And finally for That London;

Brentford – The Express Tavern (top)

Well, you can see why.

It used to be pretty much the only outlet for the amber nectar in all London, but now everyone is Bass mad, which means it doesn’t get quite such a free ride onto my list.

But it’s a lovely looking place with proper seating and a genuine mix of locals and tourists.

Including a group from Sussex CAMRA who ordered the Harvey’s.

Really, there’s no hope for some folk.

Over to you make up the half dozen. Something in Hillingdon would be nice.