Biddy Mulligan's, W14

Official site of Biddy Mulligan's - biddymulligansolympia.com

Official site of Biddy Mulligan's - biddymulligansolympia.com

The Freemasons Arms as it then was, dates from the late 19th century, but was rebuilt, probably in the 1930s and until recently, was known as Jameson, the current name arising from a 2020 makeover and visible on Google above the entrance. However, on arrival the name displayed was that of Biddy Mulligan’s, unsurprisingly flanked by more than one shamrock, just to be sure. Once you get past the ugly gazebo (which the neighbours must love), you enter a room which has been much modernised. The floor’s modern bare boarded with the bar at right, with very modern lighting above, beyond a tiled apron. Walls and ceiling are painted very dark blue/green and feature flush downlighters. Furniture is a mix of styles, fluted banquettes, some tall with chunky wood and scaffold frames; some is conventional, but much is plum velour armchairs, looking more at home in a jazz lounge. Indeed, there’s a baby grand piano to the rear and Gaelic music was advertised, with much Gaelic script in evidence; beyond is a further area, presumably for functions, delineated by dark curtains. Customers were overwhelmingly Irish and in high spirits, the overall ambience being good, to a decent soundtrack. Décor amounts to masses of ugly Six Nations bunting, framed prints and literally dozens of empty Jameson’s bottles lining all the windowsills, no doubt remaindered from this place’s time as Jameson. Lavs are good, with two cubicles, no less. Ales amounted to two unused pumps, with a Neck Oil at £3.75 a half, served by a friendly barmaid. This is ok for what it is, but the lack or real ale and better pubs in the area, mean I don’t see a justification for a return.