One Over the Ait, Brentford

A good sized and slightly unusual looking pub on the banks of The Thames, it was perhaps an old wharf or something similar in a former life but is now a Fuller’s pub. Despite the location, there is unfortunately no view of the river, with trees and other vegetation obscuring it. Internally it’s rather barn like, and first impressions were that it seemed to be something of a sports bar with numerous screens dotted around showing the NFL. It’s quite basic in appearance with concrete screed on the floor, other than a bit of red and white tiling around the bar counter, and there was plenty of air conditioning ducting on the ceiling. There were some sections of exposed brick walling and large windows to let in plenty of light, whilst a spiral staircase went to an upper level which included an outside terrace. Some red supporting pillars broke up the space a little, whilst the seating was a few tables and chairs scattered around in a seemingly somewhat random fashion. Despite nine hand pumps on the bar, every single one was dispensing London Pride, which seems shocking for a Fuller’s pub within a mile or so of the brewery. Ciders meanwhile were both from Cornish Orchards with their Golden and Cherry & Blackberry. Overall, not really that great a pub, there are certainly far better options nearby.

Much as described in depth before but I didn’t see the fire pit table or the skiff, there’s a very large screen in one corner plus a few more including two above the counter. The spiral staircase obviously remains as does the industrial ceiling. Nine hand pumps in three sets but most clipped for Pride and a couple for a 5.5% West Coast IPA from “Dark Star”, the Pride was fairly average, NBSS 2 at £5.70 a pint. Even in October the vegetation makes river views difficult from some angles. Not somewhere I’m likely to revisit.

Nothing much has changed since Maldermans visit 6 years ago,the faux industrial interior is a feature so is the upturned skiff hanging above the bar.Food is a big issues here ,the first internal section is laid for diners,the first floor is a restaurant and the large provision of outside tables will absorb any Brentford FC visitations.Due to trees being in full leaf ,there are few views of the Thames which runs past. Three handpumps offering Fullers London Pride,ESB and their Dark Star Hophead (£5.05,NBSS 3). Not a patch on the nearby Express Tavern,functional rather than exciting.

A new build pub, overlooking the river and seemingly designed to look like a boathouse. Inside is functional with exposed services at ceiling level, exposed brick walls and painted, yes exposed, steel beams and columns. Set over two floors with the upper level accessed via a metal spiral stair, wooden floors, mixed seating of all types so far encountered, a ground floor wall has a large chalkboard containing such things as the weather, tide times and various announcements of pub events. Décor includes an upturned rowing boat such as seen in the boat race above the bar....is this a skiff?....and unusually end sections of old style cast iron radiators behind the bar, upon which are advertised the keg beer selection. There are balconies with Thames views at both levels, not a bad spot upstairs on a sunny afternoon. Toilets are odd, certainly upstairs, don't know if there are more but two single cubicles with a common washing space. That's going to get busy. A Fuller's place, not the greatest range, there was Pride, ESB (£4.24), Oliver's Island and Spring Sprinter. Food is served as you would expect but I didn't really get involved with looking at a menu. An ok spot on a sunny afternoon for drinking overlooking the river but inside felt a bit clinical and cold to me.