The Bulls Head, Chiswick, W4

A historic pub this, dating from the early 18th century, grade II-listed and run by Chef & Brewery, who I though had gone bust in the ‘90s. Another of the three out of four Chiswick riverside pubs that require a walk up a flight of steps to reach the bar area and judging by the rambling, multi-area interior and seemingly old, exposed beams, I wouldn’t be surprised if much of the original pub remains. The floor is part carpeted, part boarded then walls are patterned wallpaper, duck egg green paint with some bare brick to at least one chimney breast. Lighting came courtesy of trendy glass shades with filament bulbs, furniture is mainly traditional with a few anachronistic modern pieces, décor comprising trendy framed prints. Customers were a mixed local bunch, the screaming baby an unwelcome touch. Ales offered were Abbot, GK IPA, Twickenham’s Full Lotus ‘Coming Soon’, then Black Sheep at £2.70 a half and in excellent shape, served by a chatty barman. This is comfortably the best of the four Chiswick riverside pubs and probably the best pub in W4.

Terrible experience. The bar staff were absolutely run ragged. There appeared to be one bloke trying to manage two bars who kept disappearing and various others who would come behind the bar, table service people and then disappear. After 15 frustrating minutes, I was served. I came in for a Timothy Taylor and was delighted they had Boltmaker - a rarity (outside Skipton). It was served almost frozen and was pretty poor. I had fond memories of this place from many years ago, but its either a victim of its own success or run by inadequate staff.

The Bulls Head page at the Chef & Brewer site - www.chefandbrewer.com

Attractive old pub in a prime position right on the Thames riverbank (with steps down to the water), adjacent to Kew Railway Bridge. Two small bars plus several seating areas, some on a lower level. Traditional interior with exposed timbers and low ceilings, but modern furniture and decor. Some wood benches tables out front. Two banks of three handpumps, offering Doom Bar and Pride (£3.60) with the Tribute off. All a bit corporate inside, but still a pleasant place to stop for a pint.

The Bulls Head page at the Chef & Brewer site - www.chefandbrewer.com

This is lovely quaint pub full of hidden tables in little corners. Located in a great location in the Strand on the Green area of Chiswick overlooking the River Thames (next to the Railway Bridge). There was a printed menu with special midweek lunchtime and evening meal deal which were excellent value. There was also a Special Chalkboard offering some tempting dishes. The food was well cooked and presented with table service.the staff were well trained and gave a very good customer service. The beer was well maintained. It was very difficult to fault.

This was my favourite of the three pubs on the Strand on the Green and it probably still is after revisiting on Saturday. As previously reported it is an old pub building of much character and internally a warren of little rooms, nooks and crannies which means you can usually sit and not feel you are overlooked by everyone. However it has had a bit of a make over since my last visit and some of the character and charm has been lost with removal of a lot of the old artefacts and wall prints. Some still remain but it definitely has undergone a bit of a Chef and Brewer blandness upgrade, and now definitely focuses on the food side rather than the wet side. Fortunately a decent beer choice remains and the two banks of three ale hand pumps were supporting four different real ales with the usual Youngs Bitter and CW Bombadier complemented by Hook Norton Bitter and Brains Reverend James and both of these were well kept pints.