Hammersmith Belle, Hammersmith, W6

Official site of The Hammersmith Belle - www.bellepubsandrestaurants.co.uk

Official site of The Hammersmith Belle - www.bellepubsandrestaurants.co.uk

No ale on at all when I called so I fell into the same trap as Tris C below with an expensive Neck Oil! I wouldn't bother again.

A pub has existed here since the early 18th century, with the current incarnation arriving in 1883, built for former local brewer, Sichs. The name recently truncated, this has undergone a major makeover rendering it rather stark, resembling what in effect is now a restaurant serving Indian food and shisha pipes to the area’s non-existent Arab community in the substantial, decked rear garden. The ‘tearoom’ theme now long abandoned, it would seem that the left-hand room is now exclusively for dining, seemingly occupied by one large group; thereafter, no one was eating in the larger right-hand room. Otherwise, the floor is bare boarded, the walls are mushroom in colour up to the dado then white to the white ceiling; window reveals are painted smoky grey; furniture is modern and ‘zoned’. Lighting comes from crystal chandeliers and matching sconces, accompanying music emanated from some anonymous popstrel. One of the most noticeable and least appealing features, were the megavision projector screens showing the cricket, which naturally no one was watching. Thereafter, décor comprises trendy framed watercolours. The net result was that the interior comes across as being soulless. Late Saturday evening, customers were few in number, just a handful of young women at the table next to me, probably drinking Prosecco; there may have been more people drinking out in the cold, al fresco. The ale front was flimsy with just the one pump, clip reversed so a Neck Oil it was at a painful £3.75 a half, served by a barman who was dressed like a waiter in a smart restaurant. This is now in effect an Indian restaurant showing sport to few customers, in a less than attractive area; I can’t think of a reason to come here given the Anglesea, a short walk up the road.