The Eight Bells, Fulham, SW6

This is a fairly attractive looking pub a stone’s throw from the river at Fulham. Inside it’s carpeted, with furnishings consisting of settles plus normal tables and chairs. The bar is a central horseshoe affair, with the drinking area wrapped around three sides of it, and a semi open-plan kitchen at the back on the right from where the all-pervading smell of food emanates. There is a lot of decor on the walls, including odd things like a hockey stick (I think that’s what it was); an oar; a stuffed, mounted and framed fish; and numerous photos and prints. It was very quiet in there early lunchtime on Wednesday, but some unnecessary rap music didn’t do anything to help the relaxed atmosphere. Outside in the front there are a few picnic tables on the pavement area, shaded by the trees. There were two real ales on – Hogsback TEA (at £3.20 a pint) and London Pride of course. The TEA was not good, but just about drinkable. I guess I was early enough to be the first one to drink it on the day, and around the London area only the very best pubs bother to pull through an ale if you’re the first of the day. They clearly do food, and although I didn’t see a menu there was a chalkboard with daily specials listed on it. This included such things as gammon yankee (whatever that might be); chilli con carne; and a chicken chorizo stir-fry. Not basic pub grub then. But there were no prices for the meals on the chalkboard, which I don’t find very encouraging. Nonetheless, this is a comfortable and decent little pub which doesn’t seem to have changed much since my first some 20+ years ago. I would be happy to visit again if in the area, in the hope of getting a better pint of beer next time.

Randomness Guide to London - Eight Bells entry

Randomness Guide to London - Eight Bells entry

Small pub serving the usual lagers & london pride,smiths & hogs back t.e.a

Nice smallish pub, close to the river. Sells real ale, 3 pumps, tried Doombar. Lots of pictures of sailing boats on the walls. Full of office workers in suits, men & women.