Hammersmith Ram, Hammersmith, W6

The structure of the pub is pretty much as described by the previous reviewer, but it sounds as if the decor has changed quite dramatically since then. The interior has nothing of heritage value in it now that I saw. It's clearly been extended to the rear, with a smallish outside drinking, and presumably smoking, area to the side of the building. The furnishings are a mix of sofas, banquettes with cushions, and some cheap looking tables with metal framed chairs. There's also a tall table at the centre of the room at the front wrapped round some pillars, with a pile of games at its centre. There were eight tall stools accompanying it. The dark wood panelling and false ceiling beams appear to have been given the heave-ho. Everything is distressed looking, including the floorboards and window frames - although the bay windows on the left facing Angel Walk are still an attractive feature. Of course there's plenty of exposed brickwork of the appearance suggesting that it was never intended to be seen by human eye. There was also a new one on me - a chipboard ceiling in the front room. I've never even seen that even in an Antic pub. This is still a Young's pub apparently, which is a good thing bearing in mind the ancient Young's signage on the exterior. Predictably the beers included Young's Bitter and Special, with a couple of guests in Wimbledon Pitbull, some rugby themed 4.5% ale, and St Austell Proper Job at £2.50 a half. I thought that I had misheard the barmaid at first, but she confirmed that I hadn't. Being a Young's pub they do food at weekday lunchtimes. The "Venison and apple burger, Peri Las blue cheese, mayo, tomato, little gem lettuce, fries" is 13.50, and the steal & Young's ale pie, seasonal veg and gravy is 15 (or £15.00 presumably). I didn't take to this place much. I didn't like the prices (I know, I am in London), nor the modernist decor. I suspect that it might have cost a fortune to make a place look like this.

This is how the Salutation should have been, a far more pubby feel even if has clearly been tinkered with a bit. Interior has three distinctive areas with wood tones in abundance. Usual Youngs range and good Winter Warmer was had but at £1.73 for a half I would expect a gold-plated pint glass. This same beer was selling for a pound in the Spoons just down the road! Worth a stop if you happen to be nearby for a swift one.