The Hop Poles, Hammersmith

Just been at lunch today and will be going back in the future, it was a pleasant surprise. I suggested it to the guys for the Firday lunch time drink to see how it faired after the refurb and it has been a complete transformation since last I was in there. I have avoided this place for years due to a previous bad visist there. The decor is a lot better than previously, lets hope it stays that way and the general atmosphere is more welcoming.
The biggest surprise was the prices, I expected to get fleeced but most pints were under �3, pint of London Pride was �2.45, which I think is even cheaper than the local Fuller's pub! The selection of beer was good, Peroni (�3.30) on tap which is always nice, Amstel, 1664 etc etc.
My only dissapointment was the bowl of chips we ordered, for �1.95 there was about 10 chips which was far from adequate.
I didn't have chance to explore or use the WC so can't comment on the whole pub, however I'll definetly be heading back there soon. Top marks for the revamp, lets only hope it keeps up the standard into the future.......

23 Nov 2007 15:11

The Black Lion, Hammersmith

or should that be shooting the sh!t???

11 Sep 2006 18:00

The Black Lion, Hammersmith

One of my favourite pubs, generally quiet cosy atmosphere with friendly staff and decent decor. Seating is in high backed cubicle style in the main bar so gives a cosy private feel when with a group of friends.

It probably has the biggest beer garden/concrete area on the hammersmith river stretch, admittedly it is not right on the river so probably why it doesn't get as many visitors as the Old Ship, Rutland etc on a sunny day.

Food I had there was nice, and the menu is typical pub grub stuff but they also do have a BBQ area set up outside during the summer which you can get stuff from, which I have to confess I didn't taste.

Thursday they currently have a guy doing acoustic cover tunes and Sunday is quiz night.

Despite being a 25 metre or so walk to the A4 it reasonably quiet, apart from the usual planes coming into Heathrow, and feels quite out the way. Yet you can reach Chiswick high road in about 8 minutes, stopping in at the Cross Keys on the way.

Only problem is there isn't any TV's, which for some is a blessing, but if you want to watch the match it is a no no I'm afraid.

As Ruby says a good place to whittle away the hours shouting the sh!t...........

11 Sep 2006 17:58