The Dartmouth Castle, Hammersmith, W6

The pub’s status has been upgraded to that of a pub interior of Special National Historic Interest.

Dating from 1867, this features on CAMRA’s inventory of pubs with historic interiors, rated as being of Some Regional Importance. I had chosen this place as the finale of my five-hole mini-crawl; I chose very wisely indeed. The floor is boarded and furniture is conventional, with some fluted banquettes to the front. The colour scheme is chocolate brown Anaglypta to the dado, then grey/green walls to a white ornate cornice, especially so above the bar, with a slate grey Anaglypta ceiling with modern downlighters; further lighting came from frosted Art Deco-style sconces and similar hanging lamps above the bar, with tealights to tables. Décor comprises eclectic framed prints and pot plants to windowsills; a selection of bored games is available. Customers were mainly young, professional types and a small number of office workers, probably estate agents, judging by their attire, all having a high old time, making for a good atmosphere. However, the real star of the show here is the superb Victorian bar back, which can be seen on CAMRA’s site, with its gorgeous carved pediments and two-tone reliefs above the etched mirrors; the strapwork around the bar counter is impressive too; also of note is the rare original dumb waiter’s wooden casing, the internals being modern of course. Ales amounted to one unused pump, then Tribute (clip reversed) and Landlord at £2.80 a half and in fine shape, served by a fungible barman. This is easily the best pub in this Hammersmith enclave and a short walk from the tube; a wider and more adventurous ale selection would get the score up.

Official site of The Dartmouth Castle - www.thedartmouthcastle.co.uk

Official site of The Dartmouth Castle - www.thedartmouthcastle.co.uk