The Brook, Brentford

Popped into this pub after watching a game at nearby Griffin Park. This is one of the four pubs located roughly on each corner of the stadium and as such, it was full of Brentford fans when we walked in. The pub has a multi room layout and is furnished in what would now qualify as a retro style, but in reality is the same stuff that's been in here for the last few decades. This gives the impression of having a drink in someone's living room, but not in a good way. I've subsequently heard that this isn't the friendliest pub in Brentford for away fans to stumble into, but the locals left us alone and one even congratulated us on how well our team played, so I can't have any complaints. Having said that, we didn't fancy exploring the various rooms, so I can't detail the interior too well. A large screen was showing muted Champions League highlights whilst a jukebox played an eclectic mix of tunes ranging from Nirvana to Vivaldi, the latter prompting a chant of 'We want our jukebox back' from the regulars. Unfortunately there was no ale on, but they did offer John Smith's or Courage Best on draught. My pint of Best was served in the obligatory plastic glass. An odd place, and one perhaps better experienced on a non match day, but the lack of decent beer means that I'm fairly unlikely to give this place a second chance.

I quite liked this little local once I had found the entrance after the third attempt. I only had a half (£1.50 Carling) whilst I sat by the dartboard reading my newspaper, but got a relaxed feeling from the place. I would say that I'd pop in here next time I'm watching the Bees, but I think it gets extremely busy with a selective admission policy.