The Black Lion, Hammersmith, W6

The Black Lion history on the wall outside reveals that this haunted 200 year old pub started off life as a pig farm – it seems to have diversified a bit since then. Situated just an anglers cast from the riverbank, the pub has quite a homely and rustic feel and despite much of the interior being knocked through, it does still have a fairly intimate feel. The front bar has subdued lighting, plenty of old paneling, beamed ceilings and an abundance of chunky candles giving it a warm, cosy ambience whilst there is a more contemporary sofa area to the rear. A separate restaurant is tacked onto the back and a large beer patio with BBQ stretches down (but not quite all the way) to the river. A rowing theme is obvious throughout with several rowing themed pictures supplemented by assorted paddles, seats and bits of rowing equipment. Events being advertised included a film club, acoustic nights and quiz evenings and I noted just a basic TV in one corner of the main bar. The mixed bag of background music didn’t interfere too much with the ambience although it was fairly quiet for my most recent early evening visit. There are 4 hand pumps with Adnams Broadside, Bombardier, Doom Bar plus a 4th hand pump containing a guest beer clip which was agonizingly blank. The quality of my Doom Bar was very good but the £3.70 price tag is totally unwarranted and is sufficient to ensure I think twice about returning, no matter how enticing the pub may be. The food is very much in restaurant territory as opposed to pub grub with most main courses starting at around a tenner. A children’s playground can be found on the riverbank a few yards from the pub (but not part of it) and the area has good river views with wildlife spotting opportunities. If only the prices were not so unrealistic, I could happily while away a sunny evening here but sadly the place is a bit beyond most people's normal beer budget.

This pub has had something of a makeover since my last visit, and they’ve ditched the rather nice yellow sign in favour of a somewhat minimalist black and white plain sign. This of course is a clue to how the pub now apparently views itself, looking to something of a gastro-pub, although when I was in there at 2.55 on a weekday afternoon there was no-one eating, and there were no menus out. The classical music they were playing made a change from the rubbish one often has to listen to, and set an unusual mood for the place with only two punters in there drinking. Inside it is very comfortably laid out, with a couple of armchairs round the fireplace, and proper tables and chairs throughout. Also, the floorboarding looked to be original. But I thought Doom Bar at £3.50 a pint (I think) was a tad on the pricy side. Now I really like Doom Bar, but I’m not happy about paying those prices on principle. Other ales on were Bombardier and Theakston’s Black Bull Bitter. It’s a decent enough little pub, but there are cheaper places to drink.

The Black Lion charges £11.80 + £5 deposit for a 4 pint jug of Carling. I think that is overly expensive, even for the location. The pub has been no smoking for a while so I had a taste of what it will be like, after the weekend, puffing in the rain, although I did get to read the interesting history of the pub that is printed outside. All-in-all this is a nice expensive pub right by the Thames.

Very old pub set back from the river Thames.It has a front bar with large seperate dining/drinking areas.3 real ales on tap, all in excellent condition.Large secluded outside drinking area.Very friendly and helpful staff. You can get to this pub from King St, or have a very nice stroll along the Thames path from Hammersmith Bridge. Well worth a visit.

Very old pub set back from the river Thames.It has a front bar with large seperate dining/drinking areas.3 real ales on tap, all in excellent condition.Large secluded outside drinking area.Very friendly and helpful staff. You can get to this pub from King St, or have a very nice stroll along the Thames path from Hammersmith Bridge. Well worth a visit.