The Black Lion, Hammersmith, W6

This pub has had something of a makeover since my last visit, and they’ve ditched the rather nice yellow sign in favour of a somewhat minimalist black and white plain sign. This of course is a clue to how the pub now apparently views itself, looking to something of a gastro-pub, although when I was in there at 2.55 on a weekday afternoon there was no-one eating, and there were no menus out. The classical music they were playing made a change from the rubbish one often has to listen to, and set an unusual mood for the place with only two punters in there drinking. Inside it is very comfortably laid out, with a couple of armchairs round the fireplace, and proper tables and chairs throughout. Also, the floorboarding looked to be original. But I thought Doom Bar at £3.50 a pint (I think) was a tad on the pricy side. Now I really like Doom Bar, but I’m not happy about paying those prices on principle. Other ales on were Bombardier and Theakston’s Black Bull Bitter. It’s a decent enough little pub, but there are cheaper places to drink.

The Black Lion charges £11.80 + £5 deposit for a 4 pint jug of Carling. I think that is overly expensive, even for the location. The pub has been no smoking for a while so I had a taste of what it will be like, after the weekend, puffing in the rain, although I did get to read the interesting history of the pub that is printed outside. All-in-all this is a nice expensive pub right by the Thames.

Official site of the Black Lion, contains menu, real ale details and event list - www.theblacklion-hammersmith.co.uk

Very old pub set back from the river Thames.It has a front bar with large seperate dining/drinking areas.3 real ales on tap, all in excellent condition.Large secluded outside drinking area.Very friendly and helpful staff. You can get to this pub from King St, or have a very nice stroll along the Thames path from Hammersmith Bridge. Well worth a visit.

Very old pub set back from the river Thames.It has a front bar with large seperate dining/drinking areas.3 real ales on tap, all in excellent condition.Large secluded outside drinking area.Very friendly and helpful staff. You can get to this pub from King St, or have a very nice stroll along the Thames path from Hammersmith Bridge. Well worth a visit.