The Hereford Arms, SW7

I was last in here with as a group of seven in early 1993; we sat on the floor. I recall a rather dark pub, though as reported below, the place has had a none-too-sympathetic makeover which indeed sees wallpaper applied to the ceiling which looks like distressed ceramic tiles (see photo). Normal short and tall furniture abounds, atop a modern boarded floor. There’s a dark grey bar back with the name of the pub in an etched mirror, original or not. The bar front looks modern, being varnished field panelled wood. Likewise, the name is etched onto some side windows, original or not. Walls are tedious blue/grey with some bare brick and lighting comes from brassy fake Victorian lamps; décor comprises framed prints. Ales: Red Fox, Pride and Hophead at a very charitable £4.10 and on great form too. This place is ok for a drink – I’m not sure if it’s better than the Stanhope – there are no games machines, TVs or loud music here – but as pubs aren’t great in this area in any event, better drink elsewhere.

Having fought past a group of American tourists negotiating for a dining table, I found myself in a rather gutted and stripped pub with various bare brickwork and some ridiculous wallpaper on the ceiling. The gloomy colour scheme gives a sort of wine bar effect. I didn't have the enthusiasm to visit the upstairs bar/dining room but suspect it is not much different. The only saving grace is the beer, which seemed to be in very good order. ESB, London Pride and Hophead were on draught, plus a cider.

This is a Fuller’s pub, with Pride, ESB, Brithop and Gale’s Spring Sprinter on, and with a guest ale of Oakham’s JHB. I went for the latter, which was in fine fettle, but was outrageously and bizarrely overpriced at £4.14 a pint. There is an area to the right where all tables are laid for diners; I don’t know if the bar menu is available in there, but it was available where I sat in the main bar, and included pub grub staples like fish & chips or sausage & mash for £10.50 and £10.95 respectively. This is more like a traditional pub than the other Chelsea and Kensington pubs I had visited during the day. It doesn’t have the high ceilings of a classic Victorian pub, but it does have plenty of dark wood, including some solid looking wooden posts and beams. The dining area has an attractive brick built fireplace, and the bar counter is surrounded by a black and white tiled splash area. All furnishings are normal tables and chairs so they’ve passed my personal comfort criterion. I quite liked this pub, apart from the overpriced beer.

Hereford Arms official site with menus - herefordarms.co.uk

Hereford Arms official site with menus - herefordarms.co.uk