The Hampshire, Hammersmith, W6

No ale on at all when I called so I fell into the same trap as Tris C below with an expensive Neck Oil! I wouldn't bother again.

A pub has existed here since the early 18th century, with the current incarnation arriving in 1883, built for former local brewer, Sichs. The name recently truncated, this has undergone a major makeover rendering it rather stark, resembling what in effect is now a restaurant serving Indian food and shisha pipes to the area’s non-existent Arab community in the substantial, decked rear garden. The ‘tearoom’ theme now long abandoned, it would seem that the left-hand room is now exclusively for dining, seemingly occupied by one large group; thereafter, no one was eating in the larger right-hand room. Otherwise, the floor is bare boarded, the walls are mushroom in colour up to the dado then white to the white ceiling; window reveals are painted smoky grey; furniture is modern and ‘zoned’. Lighting comes from crystal chandeliers and matching sconces, accompanying music emanated from some anonymous popstrel. One of the most noticeable and least appealing features, were the megavision projector screens showing the cricket, which naturally no one was watching. Thereafter, décor comprises trendy framed watercolours. The net result was that the interior comes across as being soulless. Late Saturday evening, customers were few in number, just a handful of young women at the table next to me, probably drinking Prosecco; there may have been more people drinking out in the cold, al fresco. The ale front was flimsy with just the one pump, clip reversed so a Neck Oil it was at a painful £3.75 a half, served by a barman who was dressed like a waiter in a smart restaurant. This is now in effect an Indian restaurant showing sport to few customers, in a less than attractive area; I can’t think of a reason to come here given the Anglesea, a short walk up the road.

There were a couple of real ales on during my midweek lunchtime visit - there was a Deuchars IPA clipped pump prominently on show, with another pump tucked away a few feet along the bar counter hiding behind a water or milk jug. This one had a Hampshire Hog (4.1%) clip on it. At £2.30 a half it was a bit on the expensive side for a straightforward brown bitter. On being asked who brewed it the barman said it was the same people who brewed Heineken, then after a re-think said he thought it was Edinburgh Castle. My guess is Caledonian as Deuchars was the other ale on. It tasted pretty good though, but not good enough to justify the price tag. The pub itself is not much like a pub. As you enter, on the left is the "Pantry", which is a small room where all tables are laid for diners. The larger room on the right continues with the "tea rooms" look - one end of the bar counter has teapots and other china stuff on it; all the tables have sprigs of flowers on them; some of the tables and chairs are positively elegant (antique even); there were several vases around the place; and a table by the door bore some decorative things like ancient kitchen scales, cake stands, and pots of jam or preserves. I've encountered all manner of odious odours in pubs over the years, but the prevailing smell in here was one of cinnamon cakes. There are no fruit machines, TVs or pool tables in here of course. In fact it's all very genteel. It just doesn't seem like the place to come for a few pints, even if undeterred by the prices. You could certainly bring your mother here to give her afternoon tea.

Official site of The Hampshire Hog - www.thehampshirehog.com

Official site of The Hampshire Hog - www.thehampshirehog.com