W4 - Chiswick.

Refurbished in 2002 to be more like a Firkin - even saying so outside this imposing building is a little smaller on the inside, though the ceiling is a high one. The large windows allow plenty of light to enter the pub and it feels light and airy as a result, though the closeness of a major road junction can be disconcerting if you don't like bored drivers staring at you. You can enter in the corner or at the side (left in the picture). The bar is a central one. It is quite high to lean on, so not good for wheelchair users, though access to the pub is good. The bar has the guest ale casks on it though beer is still pulled out via an engine. There does not seem to be much cooling going on, though beers we tried were OK. Beers on at the time were Pardoes Original, Taylor's Landlord, and Batemans Yalla Belly. Asking the bar person to remove the sparkler they ignored us and didn't seem to know what it was when told. The beer was overpriced - £2.50 for a 3.8% ale is ridiculous. Seating is at booths for the most part at the windows which is good if in a group, but not so good if alone. For the summer there is a beer garden with shade. Not too far from Chiswick Park tube stop. No food was in evidence at the time of visit and the staff didn't know either? So, I guess call before you go.

This is a student type pub with an Oxford style makeover. From the outside it would seem that the interior should be bathed with light due to the high number of windows. However, this is not the case as it can appear a little dark in places, but this adds to the cosy nature of its ambience. You can enter either through the central double doors opposite the bar or via the side entrance where the beer garden is situated on the roadside. Also here is the entrance to the theatre upstairs. Here they hold small plays on a frequent basis, though check for details if making a special journey. The pub has many nooks and crannies and even a sunken pseudo wooden medieval seating area with fake wagon wheel candelabras hanging from the ceiling. There is an eating room to the left of the front entrance which is pleasant and comfortable with dark wood square tables and chairs. The main bar area is squashed around the almost complete oval bar on three 'edges'. A fireplace is near the food area, though you can eat throughout the pub should you wish. In front of the bar is more cramped and is really a walk way with service area at a couple of 'serveries' between pillars. The left hand area has an original tiled area (designed by Walter Crane) up high on the boarder. These are well worth studying for their images. Beers on at the time were Adnams Broadside, Greene King IPA, Greene King Abbot, BASS and Pedigree. All were served with or without the sparkler, though make sure they top up your pint as they served short measures every time. Also prices can be high for non-Londoners - £2.30 a pint. Food is served here, though check for times as they vary. Choice is good and imaginative, though limited for vegetarians as usual. Prices match other London pubs. Access for the disabled is possible, though getting between bar areas can be difficult. Tube stop just round the corner - Turnham Green.