The Old City Arms, Hammersmith, W6

Well described below. Still only Pride and Doom on the beer front. I tried the Pride but it was awful so I exchanged it for Doom Bar. Not much better but at least drinkable. Much better options nearby.

Official site of The Old City Arms - www.oldcityarms.co.uk

Official site of The Old City Arms - www.oldcityarms.co.uk

This is a prominent pub right by the southern end of Hammersmith Bridge, which I've seen many times over the years while walking along the river path, and thought that it was long overdue for a visit. But I don't think that I missed much. This place seems to be largely unchanged since the previous reviewer's visit last year. I got the feeling that it's trying to be something that it isn't. What struck me was the modern fakeness of it all. There are modern pine panelled walls reminiscent of a sauna; fake black rustic batons on the ceiling, which is also rough plastered; and the fake flagstone flooring finishes the "brewer's rustic" appearance. The other thing that strikes you as you enter is the pervading smell of Thai food, which seems to be the food of choice here. Now I like Thai food and have nothing against it, but it can be a bit overpowering if you're not the one lucky enough to be eating it! They do real ale, but the choice is as uninspiring as it gets - Doom Bar and London Pride (£2 a half). But despite the apparent falseness of the decor, and the smell of Thai food, it was a reasonably comfortable enough place with fairly tradirional seating. But I can't think of any compelling reason to make a return visit.

Characterless pub with Sky sports dominating. Doombar which was decent the only real ale.Loads of mass market keg stuff.