The Queens Head, Hammersmith

Just re-opened Oct 2015 after renovations. Ten years ago, the charm of the Queen's Head was that it was essentially a country pub in Hammersmith, albeit a rather large one. There was an enormous dried hop along the bar, and the old timber framing was used to good effect. Two renovations on, and that has been lost. Half the seats are now tall stools, the rest Euro-printed coulourful designs which won't look good in a year or so. There is now techno musak. Bright blue is the colour behind the bar, de rigeure. The food used to be all right for a pub, I suppose, and remains all right, but no better, I suppose. This 'glamourization' includes a few cheap and uncomfortable chairs now out front on the street. The rear beer garden survives, and being southerly, gets some evening sun, even in October, unlike the seats on the street. There is a noticeable rise in prices to go with this (pint of Peroni and tub of ordinary salted peanuts from the tin came to £8.05!). The loss of atmosphere, increase in prices, and same so-so food means not much reason to go back. A great loss to the neighbourhood.

2 Oct 2015 22:28

The Thatched House, Upminster

Please note that this pub is on the eastern edge of Cranham, and not in Upminster.

11 Jul 2007 22:48

The Queens Head, Hammersmith

Oh, one more thing: the fruit machine is an eyesore, and should at the very least be put somewhere less conspicuous.

11 Jul 2007 22:46