George IV, Chiswick, W4

Although tarted up for the Chiswick clientele, this remains a fairly solid pub with some good traditional features, in contrast to some others in the neighbourhood. There are some nice glass and carved wood features, including the substantial central bar. Two (almost) duplicated sets of 6 handpumps offered ESB, London Pride and Seafarers from Fullers, with guests from Sambrooks, Wimbledon and Siren and a cider. Even a clump of craft taps looked more interesting than average. A good effort.

Originally the Bostons Arms and dating from the late 18th century, this pub was rebuilt in 1932, though had been renamed the George IV around 1820. This is a large, opened-out space with a modern boarded or tiled floor, three-quarter height dark wood field panelling, a little bare brick to at least one chimney breast, then some patterned wallpaper. There are trendy framed prints – a trademark of Chiswick pubs – then traditional furniture; customers were many, no doubt attracted by the very good open mic night, a mixed age bunch. The pub would still surprise the previous reviewer, as along with the predictable Fuller’s tiller girls, there were also Hophead, Siren Suspended in Comet and Fyne Ales Vital Spark at an absolutely obscene £3.15 a half, though fine. This pub is ok and certainly one of the better offerings along Chiswick High Road, but the higher-than-central-London prices knocks the score.

Official site of George IV - www.georgeiv.co.uk

Official site of George IV - www.georgeiv.co.uk

Being a Fuller's pub you would think that the ales on handpump would be predictable, but I got a very pleasant surprise in here. As well as London Pride, ESB, Chiswick and Spring Sprinter, they also had on Moles Brewery Elmo's Fire, and Head in a Hat Doctor Brown (£4.05 a pint). According to London Drinker this latter ale is a collaboration between Head in a Hat and Ron Pattinson to re-create brews from yesteryear, and Doctor Brown is the first, based on a Barclay Perkins 1928 recipe. I liked it very much and would have it again if I see it. There was also a cider called Lily the Pink. There were no sarnies on the menu. There are a couple of veggie main courses under a tenner, but the next cheapest was the cod & chips at £12. This place has been rather sumptiously madeover, like so many Fuller's pubs. In the window alcoves are raised areas with low upholstered benches, with one of the areas having something looking like a sea-chest doing duty as a low table. On the left is a brick fireplace, with the standard clutch of sofas in front of it. On the chimney breast is mounted a stuffed badger, apparently named Phil (unusual or what?) and I saw a stag's head and stuffed weasel on the wall behind the bar. There are one or two tall tables/tall stools around the place, but it's mainly normal, and good quality, tables and chairs in here. Flooring is a mix of bare boards and tiles. There were sprays of daffodils on all the tables - all quite genteel really. There's a garden at the back on the left, and on the right there's a staircase apparently leading up to a games room (not investigated). The beer range is good, with, somewhat unusually for Fuller's, a couple of guest ales on. This one's well worth a visit if you're in the area.