The Bulstrode, Hounslow

Substantial building beside Hounslow Central station, looking like it was once a hotel as well as a pub. Various seating / dining areas around and behind the bar in an overall 'J' shape. Fairly plainly furnished and decorated inside, but also has a large number of patio tables to the front, side and rear. Just Doom Bar from the pair of handpumps, but that was in better condition than I was expecting.

Handy for Hounslow central tube station. 2 real ales and food served. Sporting memorabilia on the walls.

The bulstrode is a large pub next to Hounslow Central Station, with an impressive looking red brick and brewer’s Tudor frontage. It looks very traditional. The interior is nothing special however, with everything about it shouting “chain pub”. But the bar counter and bar back look like inter-war pieces, and if they are more modern reproductions then they are good ones. The table at which I sat had on it a veritable forest of glossy menus – wine list x 2, cocktail and mocktail menu x 2, and of course illustrated food menu x 2. The food was cheap – the steak/mushroom/ale pie with chips was £5.95, and the lunchtime specials, e.g. fish and chips or chicken and chips were all £3.95. In contrast the beer wasn’t particularly cheap, with just Bombardier and Young’s Bitter on, the latter at £3.60 a pint. Being the Olympics season there were Union Flags everywhere, although no doubt in recognition of the “special relationship” there was a large Stars and Stripes hanging by the front door. The furnishings were normal tables and chairs, the place was carpeted, and some music radio station was playing. The one bit of decor that I particularly appreciated was the painting of the pub. All in all, what we have here is a majestic old pub turned into a pseudo fast food restaurant. But I was in during the afternoon, and maybe it has a different vibe during the evening. Whatever the case, it clearly meets a need as it was well patronised during my weekday visit, and it was open and trading where several other pubs that I passed by hadn’t opened at lunchtime. It’s certainly not worth going out of your way to visit, but I’m glad it’s here to give punters like me somewhere to get a swift one before getting a train from Hounslow Central.

I visited this pub on a Thursday afternoon a couple of weeks ago and didn't find it to be a great pub. There's nothing really wrong with it. I just didn't like the layout or the location.