The Plough and Harrow, Hammersmith

Let's start off with the obvious- it's a Wetherspoons. You know what to expect- beer, and price wise. No real surprises. The staff are decent. Some more talkative and friendly than others. One big plus here is that the food is always decent or better. The steaks and curries are especially recommended. The 'WC's' are, appropriately, commodious. And lastly, you rarely, if ever, get any trouble there. Well worth a visit if all you want is a decent pint, and perhaps a spot of grub.

18 Dec 2014 12:05

The Trout, Hammersmith

What was once The Trout/Old Trout, is now, The Yardbird. And tragically, after the expensive facelift given to it (at a cost of £90,000, I was told by a staff member), all the cheap, grotty charm, is long gone. I was a regular there for many years, but was horrified to learn that, what is just a Green King pub, has become, yet another, pretentious, snooty, middle-to-upper classes catered for 'trendy' bar. Two pale ales on offer there- 'Goose Island' and 'Punk IPA' cost £4.95 a pint, and when you look at the alternatives, you're left with only two options- pay up or leave. My friends and I are resolute in our refusal to step foot in this place again. West London trendy's, it's all yours.

18 Dec 2014 11:57

The Ship Tavern, Holborn

I first reviewed this pub 2 or 3 years ago, and as stated then, found it to be a wonderful place, with helpful, friendly staff. Subsequently since I've been unable to visit the Ship much- work 'n all that. However a week ago I returned there with a friend, as we were near, and I couldn't have been more disappointed. As noted by the previous commeneter, there is a terribly unpleasant smell there now- I described it to my colleague as 'fishy urine'. That is not an exaggeration.

The staff seem rather nonplus now too. A general lack of interest in the basics meant both my friend and I had to politely ask that our pints reached the top of the glass. Poor effort. We couldn't get away quick enough, to be honest. And I don't see a rendezvous there in the future. Such a pity.

18 Dec 2014 11:49