Ailsa Tavern, Twickenham

Randomness Guide to London - Ailsa Tavern entry

The design and livery of this pub proclaim it to be a T&J Bernard pub, but the only ales they did were Shepherd Neame. A bit confusing – unless there is some sort of tie-up between T&J Bernard and Shepherd Neame? Anyway, the ales they did have on were Spitfire, Bishops Finger and Canterbury Jack. I had the Canterbury Jack that was in fine nick. Furnishings consist of normal chairs and solid scrubbed clean wooden tables. This pub has something of a country pub feel to it with its cream painted brick pillars. Walls are also painted cream above the dado rail level, and below that the wood panelling is painted with a light wood effect paint. So, all this gives the place a light and airy feel. There’s a large beer garden to the side of the pub, with a patio that was being used (of course) by smokers during my midweek lunchtime visit. There was no music being played, which comes as a welcome change; there was a games machine at the back by the gents, but switched off. The menu featured normal pub style grub, and although it looked a bit on the pricey side, I didn’t eat there so can’t comment on the quality. Mrs R was particularly impressed by the sprig of fresh flowers on all of the tables, which is something I don’t usually see in the pubs I frequent. Horticulture rarely gets a mention in my reviews for some reason, but while I am on the subject of flowers, the exterior features an apparently ancient wisteria, which undoubtedly looks splendid when it flowers in the spring. This pub has a clean, cared for look about it that we appreciated, and I would be happy to drop in for another pint at some time.