The Duke of York, Chiswick, W4

This remains the same down to earth pub that it has always been. But chatting to the guv’nor I got the impression that it was not doing so well from a business point of view. He had on Pride and ESB, but said that he was struggling to justify serving two real ales, and this in a traditional longstanding Fuller’s house. The pub itself is very attractive, with a front bar retaining some original (circa 1920) leaded lights both in the bar gantry and panelling separating some drinking booths. The wooden panelling still in place on the walls throughout the pub also looked original, but the guv’nor couldn’t say for sure. The back room contained a pool table, being utilised by a group a lads when I was in late afternoon on Wednesday. I didn’t see any sign of food but I am sure that they do it as some of the tables still had place mats on them. This is an excellent unpretentious pub that I always enjoy visiting, and hope that it stays that way.

Randomness Guide to London - Duke Of York entry

Randomness Guide to London - Duke Of York entry

This is a large pub with an island bar that is surrounded with plenty of seating and standing room. At the rear of the pub there is a stage area which had a projector screen pulled down in front of it during my visit as Six Nations rugby was being shown to a large group of people who were sitting at tables that were placed on what would become a dance floor in the evening. There are also flat screen TVs dotted around the pub which show Sky Sports and I spotted a large football table that looked hand made and also a retro arcade game table. The staff seemed pleasant enough and I enjoyed a decent pint of Guinness. Doom Bar, Chiswick and Pride were also available alongside a standard and premium draught selection. I liked it in here and would return if in the area again.

The exterior with its bold Fullers signage looks OK, but inside seems more down-market that one might expect. Some interesting glazing above the side bar and screened booths also give this room a bit of interest. However, the main bar is stripped of all character within limited seating and a prominent pool table. The signs about various sorts of anti-social behaviour all over the place give some indication of the clientele I guess (but it was very quiet in mid-afternoon). Five handpumps, but three off leaving just Pride and the excellent new Bengal Lancer (£3.10). The near empty bottled drinks fridge and missing optics also add to the run-down air, so one wonders about this place's future.