The Distillers, Hammersmith, W6

This is a smart street corner pub, just a five minute or so walk from Hammersmith tube station. The entrance takes you into a large open space with a high ledge and stools in the middle acting as the only form of partitioning. Wooden floors and pastel coloured walls give the place a bit of a gastro look which is augmented by some fancy chandeliers and candelabras. There are mirrors everywhere, including the entire bar back and one on the right hand wall bearing the pub’s name. There is a real mix of seating throughout the pub, including some low tables and comfy chairs and smart banquettes under the front windows. Beyond the servery there is a small space for three or four more tables, whilst stairs lead to the Regal Room, which has its own bar, but was all but empty on our recent visit. Music was playing in the background during our stay and ranged through various genres. Four hand pumps were dispensing a pleasingly interesting selection of beers in the shape of Robinson’s Long Kiss Goodnight, Holt’s Two Hoots, Caledonian Over the Bar and Wadworth Swordfish. I tried the first two and found the Robinson’s to be a decent pint in good shape, but sadly the Holt’s was flatter than Tuesday’s pancakes. We actually stopped off here for a bite to eat prior to a gig at the nearby Hammersmith Apollo and although the food is a bit pricey, I thought it was very tasty. Hammersmith isn’t the easiest place to find a decent pub and had the beer quality been a bit more consistent I think I would have marked this down as one of the better options. Certainly worth keeping an eye on and a good place for some nice food too.