The Victoria, East Sheen, SW14

This pub seemingly dates from the mid-19th century – could’ve fooled me as I’d have this as a ‘30s’ joint when this prosperous suburb went up – situated amidst the backstreets of East Sheen. It doubles as a six-room hotel and amazingly, is seemingly run by some celebrity chef called Paul Merrett. The interior is trendy/modern but restrained: rough bare boarded, some bare brick, white paint then trendy patterned wallpaper, equally trendy prints, leafy knickknacks and fairly modern furniture with studded tan vinyl banquettes; a carved wood gazelle’s head adorns a wall. Food – which includes deep fried broccoli with ‘sriracha mayo’ (doubtless bottled) then ‘pub dogs’ really didn’t seem that ‘gastro’, unless it’s Korean, the virtually empty soulless interior at the time of my Saturday 8.45pm visit elicited just a family of five diners, then about three or four drinkers – who admittedly may have already eaten – and a child using a laptop by the window sill. A lame cask choice amounted to just an unused pump, a reversed Landlord clip then Wimbledon Copper Leaf, £3.00 a half and not bad, served by a friendly barman. If I lived locally…I’d move.

This is a small pub in a very upmarket area,and is gastro while still retaining lots of charm.The interior winds around a small bar,with the room nearest the side front door having unusual patterned purple wallpaper,while opposite the bar there is a drinking shelf with metal furniture.Around the corner there are sofas and bench seating ,while a lower conservatory has all tables set for dining.This clever demarcation means that it feels fine to simply come in to have a pint,although food will be served at any table,and on my lunchtime visit there were a lot of women who lunch,plus some young children behaving themselves. The food is very good,although fish and chips served on a flat piece of wood,with a tiny amount of mushy peas wasn't quite what I was expecting,however well the chips and fish were cooked.The menu is quite short with a median main price of £13 at lunchtime. On the ale front three handpumps were drawing St Austell Proper Job,Sambrooks Wandle and a decent Timothy Taylor Landlord which I felt was a decent enough selection for a pub where few people will realistically come here for a heavy session.However there is occasional live jazz,the atmosphere is laid back and the service very attentive.A good gastro pub,I will pop back and it's a good option if you have been walking through Richmond Park.