The Salutation, Hammersmith, W6

Despite having undergone a certain amount of refurbishments, the Salutation had always stopped short of being considered trendy or clubbified and still carries the air of the traditional style boozer that it has no doubt been since the current building was built in 1910. Reports of a recent more severe overhaul had me scampering to make sure things ahdn’t been ruined so I was pleased to see that the alluring blue tiled façade with its upper bay windows and ornate sills remained untouched. The changes inside are subtle but noticeable and unfortunately don’t really make any worthwhile enhancements. The tiled entrance provides the first signs of change. Gone are the historical snippets and pictures of the Queen Mum gracing the rear garden. In their place is a series of posters advertising the upcoming live music and quiz nights. The knocked through interior still has the same spacious and roomy layout but the raised area at the front has now been removed creating a larger area of flat floorspace that makes it all seem a bit bare. The décor and furnishings are similar with the addition of a stuffed deers head and some fancy jumble sale light fittings. Opposite the bar is an interesting but quite impractical raised sectioned pew seat. Large potted plants mingle with the sofas, quiz machines and there are a couple of TVs mainly for sport. The background music that was once barely noticeable is now far more intrusive than I recall from previous visits. There is a good amount of natural light courtesy of a skylight at the rear and a brick lined conservatory area that leads to the paved beer garden with trellises, ivy clad alcoves and built in BBQ. The beer is always of good standard but given the 9 hand pumps, there never seems to be more than 3 ales available (Pride, ESB and Bengal Lancer on my recent visit). Prices are quite good for the area. The Sally does have a reasonably wide appeal but I can’t help feel that it has taken one step further to moving away from its roots and falling more in line with its trendier neighbours. Where the next refurb will take it is anyone’s guess.

It was fairly empty when I dropped in there on a Friday lunchtime the other day. A pretty decent pub by any standards, and definitely the best in the immediate vicinity. Looks like it has retained a lot of its original character in the furnishings and fittings. The service was quick and friendly enough - but it was fairly empty. Food was good, although it was expensive. The only (minor) fault for me was that the Pride was servied at about the right temperature for Discovery, but too cold for Pride. I don't think I would got far out of my way to visit again, but worth a visit if you are in the area.

Before I stepped foot into this place I had visions of a dark and dank beer pit, but I was pleasantly surprised. A skylight illuminates the pub and the doors in the conservatory leading to the ample patio garden let the pub aerate. The adding of the conservatory also makes the pub much larger than one would assume from the front of the building. The drinks on offer were ESB, Pride, HSB, Discovery and standard lagers. I've read the raving reviews of this pub in the past so I decided to ditch the usual Lager tipple and plumped for a Discovery, which was very nice. The staff were friendly and with the Sky TV I could imagine sitting in here a lot more if it was local to me.