The Stinging Nettle, Shepherds Bush

Odd narrow downstairs floor that would be very difficult to navigate if it were busy, but there's a nicely sized upstairs room, and also a cute little balcony with a couple of tables. Decor is what you'd expect from a pub trying for a 20-30something "trendy" crowd.

It is however *really* pricey. You can easily pay over four quid a pint. Given that I can't really see what would make me go there, rather than walk half a mile in any direction and go somewhere equally pleasant and also cheaper.

14 Feb 2009 14:55

The Brackenbury, Shepherds Bush

Yeah, it closed last year, suddenly and without ceremony. I didn't realise for a while because everything was left just as it was with all the posters up and so on, but after a while I started to think "hang about there's never anyone in there". Heard gossip that it was shut down after a police raid of some sort.

14 Feb 2009 14:46

The Anglesea Arms, Hammersmith

I don't know about the sunday roasts, but in the past when I've eaten on a weekday the food there's been excellent - really varied menu. A proper "gastro" pub rather than a place that reheats a few satay sticks.

It is however a really tiny pub and gets impossibly crowded at times. Also, for some reason they turned the outside, which used to be a nice area with a few tables and an awning, into a weird metal-ringed corral.

14 Feb 2009 14:43

The Eagle, Shepherds Bush

Big plus point: enormous garden, with a covered areas with heaters that *work*! Also the staff seem nice. The interior is a good size too.

I really didn't like the refurb though - it now looks more like an All Bar One inside, and as somebody else said it's much too bright. Take any comments about the decor written before summer 2008 as being out of date.

14 Feb 2009 14:39

The Goldhawk, Shepherds Bush

I live very close to the Goldhawk and it's my preferred local - I go there most days for a pint. The interior is spacious and pleasant with a mix of tables, sofas and chairs and there's a decent array of beer at lower prices than some other places around here (though let's face it, this is still London) including several ales if you like that sort of thing.

There's a little front "garden" with a hedge to set it back from the road, and awnings and trestle tables. I've only eaten there a couple of times but the food seems fine in general and the kitchen's always busy. The atmosphere is helped a lot by the staff, who are a cheerful, friendly bunch and good at their job.

The crowd is mostly 20s and 30s, though more of a mix during the week. Gets quite busy on the weekends but not impossibly so; it's also rammed on match days before the game, but since they don't show the football on the telly, everyone clears out before kickoff.

There is live music on Tuesdays and Thursdays which is pretty much just covers, but I'd rather have a band on than no band on, and it's not so loud you can't talk. Otherwise, the music is CDs or an occasional DJ. The quiz is definitely good - tough competition mind.

Overall it's a relaxed place that has a good balance between trendy and real. It's got character but it's not rough as old boots.

14 Feb 2009 14:32