The Bulls Head, Chiswick, W4

A better prospect of a pub than the other three along this road, sadly the beer choice here was Greene King IPA & Abbot plus Landlord, put off by the pish in the City Barge I risked half of Abbot. It wasn’t as bad as I feared but still not that good. It’s a good looking pub inside with lots of different spaces on different levels and a riverside bit I avoided as it was dark. All sorts of old beams, tongue and groove, exposed brick and floor treatments make it quite interesting and certainly the most pubby of the four along the Strand, the City Barge estate pub notwithstanding. There is a definite dining pub vibe to the place though.

A historic pub this, dating from the early 18th century, grade II-listed and run by Chef & Brewery, who I though had gone bust in the ‘90s. Another of the three out of four Chiswick riverside pubs that require a walk up a flight of steps to reach the bar area and judging by the rambling, multi-area interior and seemingly old, exposed beams, I wouldn’t be surprised if much of the original pub remains. The floor is part carpeted, part boarded then walls are patterned wallpaper, duck egg green paint with some bare brick to at least one chimney breast. Lighting came courtesy of trendy glass shades with filament bulbs, furniture is mainly traditional with a few anachronistic modern pieces, décor comprising trendy framed prints. Customers were a mixed local bunch, the screaming baby an unwelcome touch. Ales offered were Abbot, GK IPA, Twickenham’s Full Lotus ‘Coming Soon’, then Black Sheep at £2.70 a half and in excellent shape, served by a chatty barman. This is comfortably the best of the four Chiswick riverside pubs and probably the best pub in W4.

Terrible experience. The bar staff were absolutely run ragged. There appeared to be one bloke trying to manage two bars who kept disappearing and various others who would come behind the bar, table service people and then disappear. After 15 frustrating minutes, I was served. I came in for a Timothy Taylor and was delighted they had Boltmaker - a rarity (outside Skipton). It was served almost frozen and was pretty poor. I had fond memories of this place from many years ago, but its either a victim of its own success or run by inadequate staff.

The Bulls Head page at the Chef & Brewer site - www.chefandbrewer.com

Attractive old pub in a prime position right on the Thames riverbank (with steps down to the water), adjacent to Kew Railway Bridge. Two small bars plus several seating areas, some on a lower level. Traditional interior with exposed timbers and low ceilings, but modern furniture and decor. Some wood benches tables out front. Two banks of three handpumps, offering Doom Bar and Pride (£3.60) with the Tribute off. All a bit corporate inside, but still a pleasant place to stop for a pint.

The Bulls Head page at the Chef & Brewer site - www.chefandbrewer.com