The Chancellors, Hammersmith, W6

Randomness Guide to London - Chancellors entry

Randomness Guide to London - Chancellors entry

This is a pretty ordinary backstreet pub – and from me that is a compliment. They had Courage Best and Spitfire on. The Spitfire tasted pretty good, and at £2.90 a pint not too expensive for the area. I have to say that this pub's ordinariness makes it stand out from the crowd. It looks like something of a throwback to the 70s – or perhaps the 60s judging from the music being played (The Searchers, Four Tops, Diana Ross). Red “velvetine” settles with the odd rip in them set the scene. It only needed copper coverings for the round tables to complete the picture. There are numerous black and white photographs of British actors on the walls, probably connected to the proximity of Riverside Studios. I rather like this pub, and recommend it to anyone who wants a quiet drink in a straightforward boozer with no apparent aspirations to be a gastro-pub.

The Chancellors is a fairly low key pub in the back streets near the river (but certainly not on or within view of the river as a previous poster intimates). The proximity of the Riverside Studios opposite means that it gets a fair share of musicians / performers, many of whom have left signed photos that now adorn the walls alongside lesser celebrities otherwise known as Fulham footballers. The mock Tudor interior is typically old fashioned and rather dated but fans of traditional unspoilt pubs will see the attraction of this place. The mature couple who appear to run the pub ensure that there are very few signs of it becoming too trendy or glitzy like several other pubs in the area. The only Ale is Courage Best but it is usually in good nick. It is less than a 10 minute walk to the Apollo but it is far enough off the beaten track to lose the crowds making it an ideal place for a peaceful drink on event night. Bar service is always good with any short measures being immediately topped up without prompting. There are a couple of basic TVs and a darts area to the rear. There is a small outside patio when the weather permits. It can be a bit smoky (but not for much longer) and some of the customer base can be rather worse for wear but there are a few characters and I have never been afforded anything other than a good welcome.