The Dove, Hammersmith, W6

I passed this pub whilst photographing the area a couple of years ago but didn't venture in. I'm a big fan of historic quaint pubs so went for a knees-up with friends the other evening and I'm afraid to say that I wasn't quite so star struck as some other reviewers. An old historic pub yes, with black-painted interior beams which is an affectation. Inside and out, beams should be natural wood. If you want to see how it should be done, have a look at The Feathers in Ludlow. The side bar is indeed tiny and there' a raised rear section - most of the pub - and is more of a modern gastro dining affair with a patio out onto a rather ordinary stretch of the muddy Thames where you can spot the occasional scull, or the annual Oxford v. Cambridge boat race if that's your thing. Close to Fuller's source it may be but on arriving I didn't spot any ale so I ordered a pint of Fuller's Honey Dew at £5.05 a pint; cold, and tasteless. It was only then that I spotted the ale pumps across the bar in a snug. Four pumps: London Pride and ESB with clips reversed, a blank pump and something else with a clip reversed. So much for 'local' then; no real ale on at 6.30 pm. I'll certainly come back if in the area only, but I prefer The Blue Anchor along the riverside.

Official site of The Dove - www.dovehammersmith.co.uk

Official site of The Dove - www.dovehammersmith.co.uk