The Mitre, Fulham, SW6

The Mitre dates from at least the mid-19th century, rebuilt by the neighbouring Swan Brewery in the mid- ‘20s in the brewers’ Tudor style. On approach, the pub’s exterior is bathed in the glow of a multicoloured lighting system, gradually phasing through the shades of the rainbow, which gives the impression that this is a gay pub. Once inside, it’s clear that the place has undergone a substantial renovation since the previous reviews. Nothing traditional seems to remain, there’s now grey paint and tubular steel, with hipster filament lighting, though some traditional Chesterfield sofas at front, large potted palms and some tall furniture to the rear, with windows out onto the garden, which is like peering out of a fish tank; much of this can be seen on the pub’s website gallery, once you’ve navigated the plethora of burger photos. Customers amounted to two young local women, one with a screaming dog. Thereafter there was a threesome of couples, one bloke was something of a cocky wideboy and delegate from the Tourette’s Society. The ale choice proffered came in the form of two unused pumps, then just Pride, resulting in a half of Neck Oil at a painful £3.40. This place could be so much better. Without the boorish and foulmouthed customer, foulmouthed barmaid and foulmouthed dog and decent real ale choice, this could be a reasonable place to stop over, not at present, however.

Official site of The Mitre - www.themitresw6.com

Official site of The Mitre - www.themitresw6.com

Despite what I said about four years ago I did drop in here again recently to see whether it had improved since my last visit. I guess it has improved somewhat. The filthy carpet has been replaced by some tartan (!) design carpeting, and is overall a fair bit cleaner. The Red Arrows print is still there I’m pleased to say, as well as some signed rugby shirts which essentially makes up the decor. Furnishings are some normal tables and chairs, banquettes and tall tables with tall stools. Most of the walls are painted a sort of purple/magenta colour, and the front of the bar counter has some 70s style padding. There’s a bit of garden at the back But what put me off last time round were the beer prices, and that hasn’t changed. There were three handpumps, one clipped with Doom Bar, another with Timothy Taylor Landlord, with the third not in use. The Landlord was a whopping £4.10 a pint, which I reckon is way over the top for a pretty ordinary Fulham pub, even if my pint was in a Landlord branded glass and topped up without having to ask. Food is available weekday lunchtimes with main courses around the £10 mark, and with most baguettes at £6.50, including chips. I suppose this pub’s OK for a swift pint if you’re passing and as long as you’re not too fussed about paying over the odds for your beer. But I don’t expect to a return visit any time soon.

They had Pride, Doom Bar and Landlord on. The Pride was distinctly average, and at £3.50 a pint is way over the top for this area. It has mostly boarded flooring, but with a bit of filthy carpet at one end of the room. Magenta and cream walls; padded magenta facing to the bar; sofas and high tables. The sofas may have been leather (or maybe a decent imitation) but for me they gave a plastic feel to the place. Characterless and expensive sums this pub up for me. The best thing about it was the signed print of the Red Arrows on the wall. I won't be back.