Elephant and Barrel, Fulham, SW6

The former dire-looking Norman Arms has had something of a makeover, and no longer gives the appearance of a scary estate pub that you would cross the road to avoid, although nothing much can be done about the sheer ugliness of the building itself. Inside, it has been partly furbished to leave a 'L'-shaped layout, one branch of which has been optimistically set aside for dining. Limited decor, with a few large screens showing sport. Smartened-up patio beer garden. Just one of three handpumps was in operation, offering a rather indifferent pint of something unmemorable (possibly Doom Bar). Overall, it is obviously attempting to move upmarket - although almost anything would be an improvement - but the customer base doesn't seem to have changed that much (and it is still felt necessary to have door staff in the early evening).