The Prince, West Brompton, SW6

The Prince of Wales is a large looking pub that is almost opposite West Brompton station. Once inside there is a decent sized L shaped room with the bar on the right side,the room bare boarded,the seating is a few tall tables and chairs to the front right,with normal tables and chairs to the rear right,the rear left is down a few steps,there is comfy bench seating and normal tables and chairs in this area which is carpeted. I noted three real ales on the bar,i had a drink of Jennings Cumberland which was not on top form,the other beers were Doom Bar and London Pride. There were a few TVs showing the tennis and background music was playing,it was hard trying to listen to the music when the tennis commentry was also loud. Pub visited 1/7/2015

This is a large, split level Taylor Walker pub just a stones throw from West Brompton station. You enter up steps that take you onto a large front patio area with a range of garden furniture affording you views of the busy road below. The front door takes you into the upper main bar area with the servery located on the right hand wall. There is plenty of seating on this upper level, mostly standard chairs and padded benches, especially in the front left corner and to the rear of the room. A few attractive etched glass panes are on show in sections of wall and partitioning screens, with a mix of old pictures and modern wallpaper rounding out the décor which sounds like a mismatch but actually works pretty well. A few of the partitioning screens also have the Prince of Wales feathers motif inlaid, which looks pretty good. Several TV screens were dotted around, most of which were turned on and showing muted Sky Sports football highlights. The lower left side is ideal for those wanting food, with smart carpet throughout, half panelled walls, floral wallpaper and standard tables and chairs supplemented by one long L-shaped button backed banquette. Music played quietly throughout my late mid-week evening visit and there was a surprising number of customers which helped liven things up a bit. Five hand pumps were in operation when I arrived, with three ales, Westerham 1730, Thwaites Big Ben and Hogs Back TEA, and two ciders, Old Rosie and Thatcher's Cheddar Valley, to choose from. An extremely gruff barman served up a pint of the Big Ben which I was pleased to find was in fantastic shape, slipping down very nicely for the last pint of the day. There is a sense that this is a bit of a formulaic pub offering nothing that the rest of the chain doesn't already provide, but I thought the place had a bit of character and the fine pint of beer more than made up for the surly service. I found this a pleasant surprise and would give it another go the next time I'm passing through West Brompton.