The Hillgate, W8

It's changed a bit since my last visit a couple of years or so ago. Not sure if it's for the better, as it seems to have lost a bit of its character. But it's still OK though – a fairly unpretentious backstreet pub in a fairly pretentious part of the world. There were a couple of large TVs showing the cricket, but muted presumably in order for the punters to endure the inane pop music. But maybe others like it. There were national flags of the “six nations” draped from the ceiling, something that I think detracts from the positive ambience of any pub – but again that's just my personal opinion and it may be that those who do come in to watch the rugby have their drinking and sport watching experience enhanced by the presence of the flags. They had Sharp's Cornish Coaster (which was pretty good) and Pride on. There was a sign advertising Skinner's Betty Stogs' Bitter, but didn't see it on - shame that, as it's an excellent ale. This is not my favourite pub in the area, but it's OK. Nothing special, but another “OK” pub.

I really liked it in here and found the barman that served me to be very friendly. Deuchars IPA, Pride and Cornish Coaster were all available along with San Miguel and some standard lagers. There are a couple of plasma screens that show Sky Sports and there is also a dartboard in a little room around the side of the bar. There is some seating along the path on the side of the back streets outside the pub, but I didn't stay out there as I happened to visit during the local school's playtime and they were making quite a racket – bless them. There was a mix of other customers from some old posh blokes to builders on their lunch break and the staff seemed very sociable getting involved with the banter of some of the regulars creating a very convivial atmosphere. I was a little annoyed at being charged about £8 for a burger and then discovering that it didn't come with chips, so it ended up costing about £10 and it was nothing better than what you'd get for £4 in a Spoons. Maybe I should stick to my usual formula of eating in a restaurant and drinking at the pub as I normally end up disappointed if I veer from this. If in the area, I'd definitely go back here for a drink and maybe a game of darts.