The Dartmouth Castle, Hammersmith, W6

There were just the two real ales on during my visit – the ubiquitous London Pride, and Black Sheep Bitter, with a third handpump unused. I had the BSB, which wasn’t brilliant, but drinkable, and not particularly good value at £3.30 a pint. This is clearly an old pub that has now been stripped out to make it more of a modern bar than a pub. There are some dark brown upholstered banquettes, scrubbed pine and metal framed tables, and plain wooden chairs. Comfort seems to take second place to appearance here. There are the usual sort of modernist prints of nothing in particular that you usually see adorning the walls in these sort of places. The bar back is worth a mention though – it had the appearance of a piece of original Victoriana, apparently mahogany, with some gilt figures (I couldn’t make out what they represented) along the top. Unfortunately the staff seemed to be too pre-occupied for me to be able to ask any of them about it. The beer’s expensive and not particularly good (based on only one visit admittedly), it’s not particularly comfortable, so I doubt whether I’ll be visiting again. But for anyone who likes these sort of made-over pseudo pub bars, then it’s a good example of its type and there’s no reason why they should not enjoy their visit.

I've always liked this pub and enjoyed my recent stay after a decade away. The barman was extremely friendly and would be up for the friendliest bar worker in Hammersmith if there was such an award. He served me a nice pint of Pride and Skinners Betty Stoggs and I would have stayed for more if time wasn't against me. There is also a selection of premium lagers alongside Fosters. It is not the biggest pub, but it is very well laid out and there is some seating out the front which has small walls around it that have window boxes with small shrubs in to block out the busy road. There are also some stairs leading upstairs, but I was quite happy where I was so didn't venture anywhere near them and I think that it is only a restaurant up there anyway. I would make a detour to visit again.

Official site of the Dartmouth Castle pub in Hammersmith, includes menu and wine list - www.thedartmouthcastle.co.uk

Official site of the Dartmouth Castle pub in Hammersmith, includes menu and wine list - www.thedartmouthcastle.co.uk