The Mitre, Fulham, SW6

Despite what I said about four years ago I did drop in here again recently to see whether it had improved since my last visit. I guess it has improved somewhat. The filthy carpet has been replaced by some tartan (!) design carpeting, and is overall a fair bit cleaner. The Red Arrows print is still there I’m pleased to say, as well as some signed rugby shirts which essentially makes up the decor. Furnishings are some normal tables and chairs, banquettes and tall tables with tall stools. Most of the walls are painted a sort of purple/magenta colour, and the front of the bar counter has some 70s style padding. There’s a bit of garden at the back But what put me off last time round were the beer prices, and that hasn’t changed. There were three handpumps, one clipped with Doom Bar, another with Timothy Taylor Landlord, with the third not in use. The Landlord was a whopping £4.10 a pint, which I reckon is way over the top for a pretty ordinary Fulham pub, even if my pint was in a Landlord branded glass and topped up without having to ask. Food is available weekday lunchtimes with main courses around the £10 mark, and with most baguettes at £6.50, including chips. I suppose this pub’s OK for a swift pint if you’re passing and as long as you’re not too fussed about paying over the odds for your beer. But I don’t expect to a return visit any time soon.

They had Pride, Doom Bar and Landlord on. The Pride was distinctly average, and at £3.50 a pint is way over the top for this area. It has mostly boarded flooring, but with a bit of filthy carpet at one end of the room. Magenta and cream walls; padded magenta facing to the bar; sofas and high tables. The sofas may have been leather (or maybe a decent imitation) but for me they gave a plastic feel to the place. Characterless and expensive sums this pub up for me. The best thing about it was the signed print of the Red Arrows on the wall. I won't be back.