The Dove Inn, Hammersmith

I too am very surprised by the comments about the management of this pub. i have just been here for lunch on a saturday and they were clearly short staffed, just the manager and one girl to run the bar and about 35/40 covers, they were running about like blue arsed flies but still managing to keep everyone happy....just! The manager later said he had had 2 staff call in sick, which had left them struggling, but the two of them were making such an effort you could hardly notice. The manager still had time to chat for a couple of minutes, which is always nice to see.

The experience was really very pleasant and relaxed, it must be the same guy who was mentioned in the other reviews as the grumpy guy with grey hair, but he was nice as pie today, both to customers and staff. He even suggested a bottle of rioja which was on special for �10 rather then the merlot we had chosen at �13, not many people would do that. The ale seemed well kept, the food was OK, can't say it was amazing, but it was good enough for standard pub fare in London.

I'll be back to see if this was a one off, but i'm hoping it was a true reflection of the way this pub is.

16 Jan 2010 18:54

The Black Horse, West Tytherley

WOW!! I hadn't been in here for a few years despite living nearby, but I called in for Sunday lunch a few weeks ago after my dear mum said it had changed hands and things were on the up. I have to say the food was superb, at the time I think i even said it was the best sunday lunch i had ever had, I think I was a little taken a back by the quality of the food on offer.

They have successfully managed to retain some of the old charm and proper pub feel, while making the dining a cosy, friendly experience that is all about locally produced food.

The lamb had already sold out (turn up early or book on the phone if you don't want to miss out) so the three of us had duck, chicken and beef. Each dish was cooked pretty much to perfection and the home made yorkshire puddings were great. Sunday lunch just how it should be!

This pub focusses on local, fresh produce all of which is prepared on site and served in simple, traditional dishes. The menu is short, but in my opinion that is the way it should be, as means each dish excels. It is always so disheartening to find a pub that has 30 dishes on the menu as you can almost guarantee each one will be mediocre. Not the case with this pub.

To top it all off the ales are well kept, the Bowmans "swift one" was a very refreshing pint and anything on tap from Hopback is a safe bet.

All in all this pub comes very highly recommended, great food, nice atmosphere, good beers and friendly service, what more could you want?!

10 Oct 2009 18:32

The Crabtree, Hammersmith

Thanks Dragon, it was actually chargrilled swordfish (my mistake) and while I'm no gordon ramsey either, I consider chargrilled to mean, well....chargrilled. The food was good quality, but too small portions and cooked badly.

4 Oct 2009 18:51