Craft Beer Co, Hammersmith, W6

This is about as plastic and contrived as such pubs go. Plonked in the middle of a shopping mall, it has always been a place to steer clear of and apart from a curiosity visist when it first opened, I have always done just that. It recently grabbed my attention as it has recently gained Cask Marquee accreditation so thought I would give it a go this week during a pre-Apollo session. On the Plus side, the beer was indeed pretty decent quality however the excitement is somewhat diminished by the fact that the Ales are the ubiquitous Green King IPA and Abbott. The interior is hardly a wonder of architecture and generally reeks of burgers as you first walk in. It is akin to an airport bar with little soul or character and about as appealing as drinking a tin of Fosters outside the Tesco's opposite. The usual run of plasma TV / games / Quiz machines are present and the customer base is sourced from shoppers too knackered to walk any further, office workers with a lack of adventure or Apollo goers falling out of the tube station and with no idea of anywhere else to go in the area. Chances of getting a seat are practically zero whilst the shops are open and once they are closed and the show at the Apollo has started, there seems little point of being here at all unless you are a Green King fan. That said, it is certainly not as unpleasant as the rating suggests although it is hardly a place to carry any particularly recommendation.

When I used to work in Hammersmith I used to drink in the Old Trout, when it was still known by that name, most lunchtimes. It was handy for popping into the shops and then having a couple of pints before going back to work. I went in for a pint last Thursday, my first here in over 6 years, whilst I waited for someone getting off at the tube station and I was not impressed at all. It used to be a place people actually went to for a few beers, now I'd be surprised if anyone stayed for a second pint. No atmosphere whatsoever – Thoroughly depressing establishment.