The Blackbird, Earls Court, SW5

Large single room pub with a smaller area at the rear popular with diners. Can get quite busy and the tables can soon go. Not a problem if you're drinking, but we would have eaten there if we could have got a table. Bar staff were pretty clueless with no idea that I was waiting even though they were not serving anyone else. To be fair though, the manager clocked what was happening, apologised, said they were new, and got one of them on to me ASAP. Beers were London Pride, Chiswick, ESB and Discovery. It looks as though they also do Lancer although this was off when we visited. The only cider was Strongbow unfortunately.

Randomness Guide to London - Blackbird entry

Randomness Guide to London - Blackbird entry

Close to Earls Ct tube, this is a Fuller's Ale and Pie conversion from a former bank premises. The interior is quite impressive and belies it's recent change of use. One large area winds around a central horseshoe bar. There are some rather perfunctory screens marked "Pies" and "Beers", but the high ceiling has a preserved cornice, an elaborate column by the bar provides support, and old cast iron radiators keep the place warm. Flooring is a mix, with wood and tiles in the main area, and a rear dining section has carpet. A mix of seating includes some high tables with stools. All Fuller's current range on, I tried the new Bengal Lancer IPA which was pleasant but at the seemingly local going rate of £3.55 far too expensive (see my review of the nearby Courtfield).

For a pub basically opposite a tube station this Fuller's ‘ale and pie house' is a top draw traditional feel boozer with a full range of Fuller's beers available. I found the barman that served me to be extremely welcoming and it was nice to have a brief conversation with him rather than just having my pint slopped over the bar which is all too common in London these days. This place is well worth a visit if passing through Earl's Court.