please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
re the last posting, yeah, sounds about right for Gloucester Road, though. Typical English customer service. Last spring we had dinner at the steak joint just up the road...what a shmozzle. By the time we were done with the cold steaks and hot wine, the four of us were out about 30 quid. Do the math. We dined well, nonetheless-walked away not hungry. Why, you ask. Because we were prepared to discuss the quality of the whole experience, and not meekly submit to the pretentious staff involved.
Anyone who dines anywhere in England must carry a solid sense of humour in his or her back pocket. Let's get real here, and accept that the pub folk were acting quite normally, sorry to say. As a loud and aggressive North American, I might have:
-strolled back into the pub, waving the paperwork in hand
-sat down and discussed the situation there instead of out on the street. Ordered a pint while I was at it
-awaited the arrival of the local constabulary (don't worry, as the pub folk would have folded long before they were called off)
-at the end toddled out happily with the world.
It remains a good pub if you don't treat it as a great dining establishment
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Two of the staff members were extremely rude to me and my friend.
We booked for Christmas dinner at 9 pm and received an email saying we had a 3 hour slot so we both organised to get picked up at midnight.
They closed at 11 pm and refused to even leave a garden chair outside for us to wait for our rides (we both leave far so our husbands could not arrive earlier).
These 2 staff members were very rude to us, telling us we should have checked closing times and that their booking confirmation did not mention the length of time we could stay.
We got ready to leave but when I showed them the email proving I wasn't lying they physically pushed us out of the pub!
We spent £130 on dinner and had just ordered a bottle of wine!
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Smart, stylish looking place.
Barman with a voice like David Cameron.
Beer utterly disgusting.
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Beerscout, if the pub is "very well kept" and "the beer was in very good condition" then I would say the management are very much up to the job. No manager can work on their bar every hour they are open and so can't watch every single drink served but I'm sure if Chris has read this he will seek to retrain his staff as he is definately one of the better publicans out there.
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Great pub, good selection of beers. Management and staff very friendly.
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Very well kept pub with high quality fixtures and fittings. Full range of Fuller's beers, Seafarer �3.60 a pint. The beer was in very good condition but served without a head. (The barmaid needs training; management probably not up to their job.)
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This is a lovely pub on the Gloucester Road with a nice atmosphere and good quality beer, especially ales, of which there are normally six on draft. The staff are consistently friendly and able and make the place a welcoming one.
Friday nights at the Hereford are exceptionally busy but give the place a buzz and a 'pubby' factor it sometimes doesn't have.
Prices are high as they are everywhere in the area, the Princes don't party around the corner for nothing! But all in all an excellent pub with good atmosphere, good staff and most importantly good beer.
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I have never been to the Stanhope, but I'm glad if some people have gone elsewhere as I don't like crowded pubs!
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Went in the Hereford on friday night had pint of fullers spend an hour there. It is ok but nothing compare to the Stanhope. (DuncanDisorderly). The Hereford has had good bunch of regulars.I belive there is a reson why this people drink elswhere!!!!!
endi2 - 13 Mar 2011 23:48 |
Popped in for a quick one on a Friday night after work. the place was rammed, mostly with after work business ladies in suites and trainers, taking it in turn to chain smoke outside, presumably as some kind of dietry requirement.
Once inside and having pushed my way to the bar, a nice selection of Fullers and having selected a Seafarer I settled in for a people watch.
Nice looking selection of food on offer and the place did seem to thin out as 9pm approached. Might come back at some time, possibly at lunch as it may be quieter.
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back again to the Arms during a recent visit to London. No change from the last time really. Still good beer and grub, although I must say that the cute East European girl who served us could have fed me anything and I would have downed it gladly
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Called in here recently on the recommendation of a friend of ours, who told us it was a friendly pub, with superb food, and she was right. We spent a pleasant 2 Hours in here, and had a fabulous meal, some lovely, reasonably priced drinks, and the service was excellent too. Well worth a visit IMHO Folks......
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Busy little place on a Monday evening, and not even footy on! Nice servers, god atmosphere, decent fuller's christmas ale. Chicken Caesar salad was quite bland, and chicken a bit dry, but salads in general in the UK seem to me that way. Overall a good spot though, would try it again.
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Well said Snarling Mallard!
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So one group of fascists berates another group of fascists. So what ? When I can open a pub in an Islamic country (my church, my religion) then I may cut some slack to the abhorent racist, sexist, homophobic, paedophilic views that most muslims hold. It makes me sick when people berate people as nazis while defending a religion that is more nazi and more of a threat to me and my lifestyle than a few tin pot BNP wannabes. If the muslims takeover then this site won't exist because there won't be any pubs and there won't be any beer.
anonymous - 22 Oct 2010 04:49 |
I little more info - ie what group, why are they there etc - might allow us to form an opinion.
We do have (within certain legal limits) the right of free speech in this country.
We'd be in a very sorry situation if we banned all (legal) groups just because we disagree with their views.
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I think it's pretty sad that this pub will allow group of right winged violent anti-muslim thugs use their premises on the 24th of October.
I understand there are a lot of Muslims living in that area and I fear for their safety and of other Asians as the organisation that will be using this bar attract racists.
Our British pubs and bars are no place for hate and we should stop accommodating hateful groups.
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You can tell this pub has been around for hundreds of years just by looking at the orginal beams supporting the building inside. The pub is steeped in history requented by Conan Arthur Doyle(author of Sherlock Holmes) and U.S. marines in WW2 used to play soft ball in the gardens opposite, Since Chris has taken over as landlord the food has improved significantly from somewhere i wouldn't eat to somewhere i would go on a regular basis. There is a good mix of tourists and locals. Chris has also improved the look of the place with flowers new signs. The wine is very good value and there is a great selection of bitters and largers being a Fuhlers pub. Highly recommended.
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Just popped in here during a quiet afternoon for a Jack Frost, seasonal Fuller's ale...was greeted by extremely friendly and welcoming bar staff. I asked for wifi access code which was written down for me and help was offered.. The Jack Frost was in good condition with a good 'blackcurrent' flavour.
Fullers are currently refreshing the outside signage to this pub following their recent acquisition and it is good to see their presence in the area
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This is a good pub for the area, which is swarming with either rich people or tourists. At least, here you will get a nice drop of Fullers ales and a reasonable selection of food. The prices are OK too, given the afore-mentioned presence of rich people.
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I went again with my family for supper on Saturday. It was delicious food (whitebait, linguine, steak pie, hamburger), attentive service and a lovely atmosphere. The Fuller's beer is well kept.
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I have been to the Hereford on a number of occasions in the evening over the past four or five months, and I am impressed by the friendly service, the well-kept Fuller's beer and the food, which is served in a separate dining area or in the main part of the pub. The manager is approachable and takes pride in the pub, which is situated in a charming part of Chelsea.
I also went to a party there with about thirty others, and we were well looked after; everyone enjoyed the atmosphere. As the Hereford does not have live football on the two televisions in the room, it is calmer than other pubs in the area. There is seating outside in the warmer months.
The staff are always helpful, and I have heard them speaking in a wide range of languages to the cosmopolitan clientele. If I had a criticism, the menu is longer than it need be, but I understand that this may be changing in the new year.
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The service was really bad. I had a pint of fullers and the test of it was terrible.
I think is worth of going to the Stanhope arms and I can see why that pub is more busy than any other pub in the area.
endi2 - 13 Nov 2009 23:23 |
There has certainly been a significant improvement to the quality of real ales since Fullers took over. They still could do better by increasing the speed, efficiency and warmth of service - and eliminating the smell of chip fat. But, guess it's a dining pub for tourists, as well as a drinking hole for locals, so it's difficult to get the right balance. If the petite, cute Eastern European supervisor would actually smile and greet customers, the Hereford could be onto a winner. First impressions count, and you only get one chance.
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Now a Fuller's shop. The beer was excellent with the Red Fox and Pride nearly as good as they can be. Not too crowded on a Wednesday Night.
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I popped in last week with some friends for a pint getting to know the area,quite crowded i had to waite 20 mins and 30 mins to be served as they made a mistake with my first order, staff ok could be bit faster, food very greese only reason a stayed is because is near the station.
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Visited for a quick pint last night. Nice looking pub which has I understand recently been taken over by Fullers. Fullers range plus Seafarers and a.n.other on the pumps. I had an excellent pint of Discovery. Very touristy and food led (ketchup and vinegar out on all tables etc) to the extent that the over-powering smell of food, especially fried food, would probably put me off returning unless a nice day when you could sit at the tables outside.
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I popped in last night having not been for a while and it was excellent as always, the Fullers take-over has moved this pub from strenght to strenght and was great to see that the manager "Chris" was staying on. I tried the new hand pulled Seafarers and it was brillant & the girlfriend had the Honey Dew which was also great. Good beer with great service makes this place a pleasure to visit. I had to wait 30 minutes for the dining room but it was worth it, the Lamb Shank is out of this world & I would go as far as saying "it has to be the best pub food in SW7"
If you want a decent pub with great beer & good food and service which is fast, friendly & highly efficient than this is the Pub. 10 out of 10
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Is this fine pub still employing the customer-focused little Australian barman, who was recently arrested for causing alleged criminal damage in a neighbouring pub? It's a scandal that this squirt hasn't been axed!
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Slickwilly says they can't tell a Canadian from an American. Actually that is very tricky sometimes! For all its faults, the Hereford is a nice traditional, if expensive, pub for this part of town. The area is quite touristy but as a Londoner I am happy to visit.
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Had a chance to visit this one today and pleased to see a full range of Fullers beers including draught Honeydew.....great for the summer.
My Chiswick was cloudy after 3 attempts....very new unsettled un conditioned barrel I guess!
Staff very friendly and apologetic and immediately replaced it with Pride.
I put it down to teething problems...and has not put me off this recent Fuller's acquisition
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popped in recently;grub and beer good as per normal. Staff still can't tell a Canadian from a Yank, but that's not the end of the world is it? What's the problem?
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Natasha is way off mark with her comments about the staff: Chris, Joanna, and the whole team are friendly and professional. Let's hope they are all staying at the Hereford, Fullers would struggle to find a better team.
garyc - 11 Apr 2009 19:24 |
Great to see that Fullers have finally secured a couple of pubs in this area...Great beers and dynamic individual management styles. This brewery has an excellent track record and maintains it's houses to a high decorative standard....I wish them well
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Natasha paints a very unflattering picture of the staff. Surely they cannot be that bad?
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I expect Fullers will bring in a new energetic, friendly and customer-focused management team and ditch the unpopular large Oz gentleman and his miserable little Polish sidekick. I hope that the wide range of quality beers and good food is maintained.
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Now owned by Fullers
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This may be a food-oriented pub, but it has six handpumps offering a variety of different ales (and not just the usual suspects). I enjoyed my pint of Morrissey Fox Blonde, and happily have stayed to have tried a couple of others had I had the time. Friendly bar staff too.
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This pub is very food orientated and I had to wait for a couple of minutes to be served as the governor was acting as manager, barman and waiter. It�s a shame as the Doombar was very good and Pride, Nutty Black, Red Ember and Springhead�s Polar Bear were also available. There was also a 6X pump which was off during my visit and some bog standard lagers.
There are a couple of plasma screens which were showing the Sky Sports News stream, but I didn�t see any sport advertised in the pub.
It has an over 21s policy and opens at 10am for the breakfast crowd.
I found it to be quite relaxed, but I�m not sure I�d return unless I was hungry and fancied a pub meal.
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Really poor. Went for a roast today, and was charged �13.50 for a barely warm lamb shoulder. And what sort of pub serves Lamb and doesn't have any mint sauce!!
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Busy pub for a Thursday evening I thought. Not bad pub. Friendly bar staff. I enjoyed my stay.
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Pretty full on an early Sunday evening, with a quiet but friendly atmosphere. Bar staff were on the ball, and I enjoyed a nice pint of Bateman's Rosey Nosey. PS - Reference the other comments below, there are now chairs and tables outside.
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Smelt too much of food when I was there the other Saturday. I'm not against food in pubs, but it was evident. Maybe it was peak time for dinner! Shame they haven't got seats outside too, that'll make a difference.
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Watched the Grand National today at the Hereford today and I have to say, "it was the most perfect afternoon" The new menu is fantastic, the Lamb Shoulder really was out of this world..Compliments to the Chef....
The ale festival is booming and the range of ales is just staggering. Robinson's "Dizzy Blonde" was served to perfection and the barmaid was half bad either!
The manager assures me that the exterior tables and chairs will be back soon once a deal is agreed with the residents and local council, lets hope it is soon.
It really is a great pub with great food and friendly service, long may the tradition last.....Cheers
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I visited the Hereford Arms last night and was amazed by the recent refurbishment. The restaurant, the bar, that staff and even the loo's were all good. The food was excellent and the service brillant. The new manager really has brought charm and skill to this Pub and it reflects in the calibre of the staff and their attention to detail. It is simply the best pub on the Gloucester Road and in the immediate area, truly worth a visit. In my opinion, the Hereford is the best its ever been and I have been a regular for over 20 years. I'm looking forward to the forthcoming Ale Festival and the return of the table & chairs once the local council sorts themselves out...........
PS I won't pay much attention the the previous poster, her comments are somewhat immature and she has previous requested a boycott of the Hereford but cannot keep away........cheers
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I agree with Londoner 81, the staff are remarkably cold and unfriendly. At least they have been smartened up now into proper uniforms - and not their own scruffy t-shirts. TVs have now been restored, but are rarely on. Prices have gone through the roof (compared with other local Spirit Group pub). Only one beer is now under �3 a pint (John Smiths), guest ales are a staggering �3.19, Kronenburg around �3.30, and Stella �3.40! Customers are paying for the refurbishments. The outdoor tables have also been removed to deter smokers. It's a sad state of affairs.
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Visited last night for the first time so had no idea about the recent refurbishhment. On first impression it seemed like a good pub to me, with efficient staff and a friendly atmosphere.
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This pub recenlty underwent a revamp. The result - no difference they have added a green leather corner sofa and put a picture frame around the plasma screen. Net result 2 weeks of lost custom and no real change. I often wonder why pubs do this - is it to create a new burst of interest. Anyway I have gone off the point, I returned to the pub tonight looking forward to the 'new' Hereford. around 10pm the games machine shut down - I asked the barmaid who investigated and said there was a power cut - no offer of money back - oh well not their machine effectively only a few pounds lost, things happen. The barmaid goes on to ask the rest of the pub to drink up and leave without explanation. I assume this was because they could no longer serve due to the power cut, but this information was I assume surplus to requirement. Bemused patrons asked if they could at least finish their drinks. Leaning against the bar I then felt a jab in my knee and realised I had been stabbed by a nail sticking out of the bar - sadly there was more than one. I asked to see the manager, I was confronted with a man who said "I covered the nails if someone took them off its not my fault, we have had a power cut". Fantastic people skills, well done to him. Aggression when you are in the wrong is always the solution. Had to get a tetanus jab, won'tm return am consulting a barrister. Net result great pub, now a waste of time with staff to match. Don't waste your time, the Queens head is up the road, its had a revamp and is worthwhile and you are likely to leave without abuse or the risk of an infectious disease.
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The refurb has turned out, thank goodness, to be little more than a clean-up and improvement. Gone are those ridiculous high stools and high tables, but the guest ales were back last night, and the service is still as quick and friendly as it was before. The loss of the quiz machine is the only real blow (I never actually witnessed that sports telly in use - always use the Gloucester up the road for that anyway).
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The Hereford re-opened last Friday after refurbishment. Sadly, Spirit Group has transformed this traditional and cosy real ale pub into a plastic mock-Wetherspoon cafe. Guest ales have been axed (eg gems like Tribute Ale from Cornwall) and been replaced by ubiquitous London Pride and Spitfire. More tables have been squashed in, as well as garish mirrors and bright lights. Sports fans have lost their television. It's become a pub-style MacDonalds for American tourists. I suspect that the new manager had little choice, but to go along with the corporate intructions of his bosses. South Ken residents have lost a great local pub, no doubt they will join me in boycotting this cosmetic etablisment and moving to that great neighbouring pub the thriving Stanhope (until it gets the Wetherspoons treatment from Spirit Group - I hope that will never happen!).
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still a good place for a jar and a plate of gammon. Pretty well the best place around, except that they tend to treat Canadians like Americans, not that this is uncommon in London or anything
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Just scanning through and got a bit confused. How did this (and a couple of others) turn up on the Gloucester page? Looks like London to me.
anonymous - 8 Nov 2007 14:35 |
This pub was better a few years back when it was painted black and didn't have clear windows. IT is a decent place still though and better than the rather grubby Stanhope just up Gloucester Road
It's gone a bit more gastro recently but would certainly be my pub of choice round Gloucester Rd
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cider and lamb shanks at the Hereford Arms after a day of wandering around London...hits the spot
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The starter I had in this pub was excellent although I suspect the burn't to a crisp burger is still being digested. Beer is mixed and although they have a Cask marque sticker not sure they actually are as I cannot find them on the Cask Marque website.
Overall Nice pub with mixed quality beers some good some not quite. Most food seemed good except my burger which was terrible.
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A great pub. This was the last stop every night during my last visit to London. The Management is excellent and the staff is wonderful. The food is good as well.
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Excellent pub currently draped in England flags in readiness for the World Cup. Good selection of real ales on tap and quite a large food menu too. I had the Big Ben Burger which was served quickly and is one of the biggest burgers you'll see!
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Best pub food in all of West London. The BBQ Nachos are the best in the UK! Great location, friendly staff, and the BBQ Nachos are rad!
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went there on a thursday night and it was busy, we couldn't get a seat even at 18.00. the service was quick and fairly friendly and it was just about quiet enough to hear each other talk.
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It's a nice little boozer, and the ale's far superior to the Stanhope up the road. Worth the extra walk from the station. It's a great place for visitors, because it's got a good "English pub" feel about the place.
btw, Ian - I am also a student at nearby Imperial College, and it's my local!
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Nice pub...in a great location. I just returned from London after staying in the Gloucester road area for almost a week. Visited 4 pubs in the area and this was by far the best. Friendly staff, good service, etc. The only drawback was that the cask ales were not available on both of my visits to the pub. Definitely plan on going back next time I am in London.
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As one of the other posted said, this is a great pub for a YANK. Well, Im a Yank and this was my first bub that I went to when I was in London, and go there every time I go to london. They have great food and great drink, and the bar help is the best, they are all willing to help when your a first timer. I have told others to go to the Hereford Arms and everyone loved it. Keep up the good work!!!
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Went into this little gem before going to a Chelsea game, what a find. The staff were possibly the friendliest in town, and the manager should win manager of the year award - he couldn't do enough to help. The food is superb, not the usual Brake brothers in microwave stuff, real pies here large plates and crispy veg. Cannot recommend enough.
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Am a student at Imperial and came in for some food before doing my radio show last week. Staff were very pleasant and didn't have the attitude some pubs have when I come in alone.
Ian - 16 Nov 2004 18:10 |
found this place by accident and have been back twice. One of the few places i've found that sells real ale and real food in one place. 9/10
Neil the Wheel - 26 Oct 2004 23:18 |
Popped into this little beauty for a Coke on my way to an interview last week. I'd love to go back there and try out the selection of beers that are scrawled on the blackboard. A gem of an establishment with polite staff.
Briony - 23 Sep 2004 14:22 |
Great local pub for a 'Yank' who's new to London. Hereford is the first British pub I ever set foot in during my first trip to the UK last year. It's a nice, local place. Food was decent. Wait staff and bartender were VERY helpful. Children are welcome at the Hereford Arms.
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Food is Over priced and very small portions although this was a god-send as it was the most disgusting I have had in a long time. Great pub for beer but go somewhere else for food - anywhere else!
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Wow. Went back there for the first time in ages. Such a difference. The previous time (a few years back) I unfortunately met the surly, unpleasant manager who didn't take kindly to me returning a dodgy pint of guinness and was just rude.
Now - it's fantastic. The staff are friendly, there's a good choice of bitter and it tastes grand.
Ash - 6 Jul 2004 11:43 |
Cosy place - I love going there when am in London - great staff. Beers are quite appealing especially the blanc!
Definitely a great pub in a great local area and its people with lots of charm!
nathalie - 8 May 2004 13:50 |
Great food. Friendly staff. Lots of charm. Large non-smoking area is a big bonus.
ben - 7 Mar 2004 21:02 |
After reading some of the other "comments" I'm a little stunned. We recently came back from the UK and completely loved this pub. Our food was quite excellent, especially the treacle pudding, and the staff always accommodated our larger than average group (in their non-smoking section). A few more beers on the menu would be a nice addition. We certainly look forward to heading back to London and will visit this pub again in the future.
Dawn U. - 21 Jan 2004 13:18 |
The Christmas meal was absolutely spot on, good food an lots of it...! (although beware the brussell sprouts!)The pub is under new management and Mike and his staff certainly are an improvement on the previous owners. Well worth a visit..
R Patterson - 23 Dec 2003 18:06 |
With working in the local area we have frequented the pub several times - Always a pleasant atmosphere, friendly staff and as our Christmas party is being held there this Thursday I will be informing you on how the food rates! Would recommend...
Ross Patterson - 16 Dec 2003 11:02 |
It seems that the layout of this pub is geared up for food. Im not sure why, the meal a friend and myself had last night was awfull and expensive... dont do it.
Cory - 12 Sep 2003 12:46 |
Went there on 4/27/03 and had a delighful meal, and Sarah, our server was charming. It came recommended, and we do so too.
Paul & Debra Williams - 30 Apr 2003 15:45 |
The bar staff are notoriously rude. The food isn't up to par. There are far better pubs in the area. Not recommended.
Todd E - 26 Mar 2003 20:46 |
