The Rutland Arms, Hammersmith, W6

The Rutland Arms page at the Taylor Walker site - www.taylor-walker.co.uk

The Rutland Arms page at the Taylor Walker site - www.taylor-walker.co.uk

I decided to try the Rutland Arms as I've regularly been in The Blue Anchor and the Dove, but have previously been put off. The front area is dominated by those high tables and stools, but with more traditional seating to be found to the left and to the rear of the bar area. Wooden boarded floors to the bar with a tiled splash area, carpeted to the rear. Some wood panelling, a few token pictures and a couple of sets of oars form the decor, a gilded framed TV was switched off. The place is however full of those faux chalk boards and posters advertising meals and drinks deals....a bucket of chicken wings and bottles of "Bud" was one....and all tables had ketchup bottles, vinegar and salt/pepper sets on them. Tables were also slow to be cleared. The beer range was actually pretty good, Pride, Young's London Gold, Butcombe Gold and Batemans Spring Goddess. Quality was fine. There are good views of the river and Hammersmith Bridge, and some bench seating outside too, but the pub itself feels short on character and probably relies on passing trade.

The only reason I would go into the Rutland is if the Blue Anchor is rammed. Even then it is a false economy as the queue for the Blue Anchor seems to deplete twice as fast.