The Raven, W6

Built as a stable block for the nearby manor in 1839, this was originally the Raven Tavern. The previous reviews would still seem to stand up. This is a relatively traditional place, bare boarded with low white ceiling exhibiting exposed beams and simple bar array. The place appears quite cluttered, with conventional furniture with ugly sauce bottles, placed very close together. Lighting isn’t bright and comes from filament bulbs. Music played at quite a high level and décor comprised signed rugby balls and framed prints as well as ugly Six Nations bunting. The one thing you can’t escape from sadly, are the multiple TVs, including one megavision screen, all playing either the football or rugby, for those who can watch two matches at the same time, but due to the low light and cosy interior, the TVs were a massive distraction and not pleasant. Customers are probably all local and very mixed in age, most obviously having a high old time. There were two unused pumps, then just Wychwood’s Dirty Tackle and Landlord at a reasonable £4.80 a pint and very good. This is a fun and friendly community local, but the TVs are so all-dominating that I wouldn’t want to stay for more than the one drink.

Official site of The Raven - www.theravenw6.com

Official site of The Raven - www.theravenw6.com

Essentially, a medium sized three-roomer, that belies its small exterior frontage. The main square shaped room is white walled and quite plainly decorated, with bare floorboards, traditional tables and chairs, plus pews use to make several booth type areas. However, this being west London, there are the almost obligatory large candles gracing the tables. Leading off the main room, is a furnished corridor / conservatory, used as a drinking area in its own right, connecting to a dining area to the rear. There is also a partially covered courtyard to the side of the pub. Four hand pumps at the bar were serving safe choices in Spitfire, Hobgoblin and Tribute, plus the new to me Manns ‘St George & the Dragon’, which I understand to be a re-badged Wadworth beer. However, the quality of the latter two was perfectly acceptable, if not quite the best. Service from the young female bar staff was very friendly and I’m sure they contributed to the relaxed feel of the place. A good early evening atmosphere when I called, with some classic rock playing in the background and the inevitable commuters clearing the Underground dust from their throats, with a swifty on the way home. It’s a solid rather than inspirational sort of pub, but overall, I rather liked the place and would call again if in the area.

Across the road from stamford brook underground station. A larger pub than you initially think with a bar area, dining area and courtyard. 4 real ales and food served. Live music, quiz and poker nights advertised.

The pub is situated directly opposite Stamford Brook LU station, the external appearance being of a low pitched roof building typical of the older stock in the area. Once inside, the main bar is a squareish room with the bar along one side. Wooden flooring, three booth type layouts in the front windows, a long middle table with a randomly chosen mix of chairs plus the odd sofa. There are a few framed rugby shirts from the clearly local London NZ RUFC team. Beyond, an old courtyard with cobbles has been enclosed by a conservatory structure which then links with an old outbuilding, now turned into a dining area with an attached food servery. An outdoor area remains to the side, partially under cover. Two fireplaces in the bar, opposite the counter suggest the original layout. Beer wise four pumps had on Wadworths 6X, Sheps Spitfire, St Austell Tribute and Wychwood Hobgoblin. I had the 6X which was ok but a touch too cold. Various beermats over the bar suggest a changing guest policy, but nothing too exciting on here at the time. Clipboard menus on the tables promised upmarket sounding fare, mains between £10-£16, tapas also available. A large wine selection was listed on a chalkboard. Live entertainment at weekends.