The Packhorse & Talbot, W4

Update – December 2012 Now branded as a Taylor Walker pub, this is a large cavernous main road pub with adjoining areas served by a central three sided bar and very much a generic chain pub feel. On my recent Saturday morning visit, I counted a total of 7 TV screens dotted around the pub showing the Wigan v Arsenal game. Whilst the volume was not over loud, it would have been nice to have had a TV free area. Beers on were Doom Bar, Thwaites Wainwright and Santa’s Spirit from the Sole Bay Brewery, which I presume is Adnams, although the pump clip wasn’t in the usual Adnams house style and shape. It was pretty good, although no one else in the pub seemed to be drinking it. It’s OK for a quick pint in passing, I suppose, but The Tabard ( near the Tube Station ) is likely to have a better beer range. Original review - June 2010 The Packhorse and Talbot is a large roadhouse type of pub on the main Chiswick High Road. Outside the pub, an information board tells us that a talbot acted as a guide dog for a traveller with a pack horse, and that this pub was simply called The Pack Horse between 1698 and 1811. It was frequently confused with the other Pack Horse ( this being The Old Pack Horse - the Fullers pub further down on the other side of the road ). The Packhorse and Talbot is part of the Punch Taverns empire and is a typical large chain pub outlet with a variety of different areas and that rather generic impersonal feel that such pubs often have. There's a few TV screens dotted about and a food orientated area at the back of the pub, but it's one of those pubs that's trying to be all things to all men. In this respect, it's a notable exception to the rule for Chiswick. On my recent Sunday afternoon visit, it was doubtful whether the John Bonser 3 minute service standard was met, despite their being hardly any other customers waiting. Beers on were GK Abbot, London Pride and Youngs London Gold. The London Gold - £ 2.75p - was in reasonable form and probably represents better value for money than the London Pride at £ 3.15p. This is one of those typical template pubs that are difficult to specifically like or dislike, and I'm not putting it down for a return visit any time soon.

Large open plan pub with a central square bar. 4 real ales and food served.

There were four ales on here, all drawn from the ranks of the usual suspects. But the Young’s London Gold was remarkably good value, being on offer at £2.25 a pint. Being a Taylor Walker branded pub the standard pub grub menu is available throughout the day. The interior of the pub is one large expanse, but with a courtyard area at the back on the right equipped with a large canopy to protect smokers from the elements. It’s typically furnished, with a number of tall tables/stools, but mainly with normal (but scrubbed and/or distressed) tables and chairs. I suspect that there was also a sofa or two lurking in a corner somewhere. The area to the front of the bar counter is bare-boarded, with the room’s extremities being carpeted. There are a handful of aluminium framed tables and chairs on the pavement at the front of the pub. The inevitable large TV screens are present of course (muted and showing the news), plus a selection of fruit machines. There was nothing particularly wrong with this pub that I could see. It definitely lacks the small pub character, but it’s OK for a (cheap at the moment) pint if you’re passing.

Randomness Guide to London - Packhorse And Talbot entry

Randomness Guide to London - Packhorse And Talbot entry

A large pub situated on the main drag through Chiswick, but more at the Turnham Green end. An open plan layout inside, wrapping around the central island bar. The pub is mainly carpeted, but with a wood floor and black and white tiled area directly in front of the bar. It was fairly dark inside, on a bright day, but the decor is darkish, and it probably benefits the view of several large screens dotted around. Four pumps served Youngs London Gold, Taylors Landlord, Pride, and guest Sheps Canterbury Jack. A change from the prevalent Fullers in the area. Personally I found the large space to be rather lacking in character or any sense of history or interest. The beer however was fine.