The Hand & Flower, Olympia, W14

Official site of the Hand & Flower - www.handflowerpub.co.uk

Official site of the Hand & Flower - www.handflowerpub.co.uk

My recent visit to this pub was the first for many many years when it was still called Harvey Floorbangers and to be honest it hasn't really changed that much, which isn't such a bad thing. I say this as I always enjoyed an early evening beer in here after work before jumping on the Silverlink to go home. The staff also seem to be of the same ilk, friendly yet not really up to speed on service or attentiveness. This was highlighted when, being the only customer, I had to wait a while at the bar for some very polite service. Unfortunately the barmaid forgot that my pint of Guinness was pouring and as I was talking to my brother I also didn't notice it overflowing. She rushed over and thankfully, unlike many other pubs, I wasn't fobbed off with it and a new one was poured. I wouldn't normally mention this, but she did it again on the second pint, but I leant over and stopped it being another write-off. I was thanked and given the overflow for free, which was a nice gesture. Along with the standard and premium lager selection was an ale selection of two Marstons, a Jennings and a Brakspear. There is also a basic food menu which is pretty good value for the area, unless you choose to go to the sandwich bar over the way! Whilst having a cigarette outside I noticed a sign by the door stating that there are extended opening hours on a Thursday and Saturday until 12am and on Fridays until 1am, not that I would be that keen on drinking here until the early hours. This style of pub isn't the sort that I usually go for, but I like it in here and would go back.

Large pub opposite Olympia exhibition halls. Has rooms, so if you stay too long at a show or either in the pub after, you wont have to worry about getting home. Has real ale, Jennings, Brakespeares and Pedigree were on tap. Has wheelchair access, but the toilet was blocked by a table and chairs, so at a busy time, it would be difficult to use.