Biddy Mulligan's, W14

The Freemasons Arms as it then was, dates from the late 19th century, but was rebuilt, probably in the 1930s and until recently, was known as Jameson, the current name arising from a 2020 makeover and visible on Google above the entrance. However, on arrival the name displayed was that of Biddy Mulligan’s, unsurprisingly flanked by more than one shamrock, just to be sure. Once you get past the ugly gazebo (which the neighbours must love), you enter a room which has been much modernised. The floor’s modern bare boarded with the bar at right, with very modern lighting above, beyond a tiled apron. Walls and ceiling are painted very dark blue/green and feature flush downlighters. Furniture is a mix of styles, fluted banquettes, some tall with chunky wood and scaffold frames; some is conventional, but much is plum velour armchairs, looking more at home in a jazz lounge. Indeed, there’s a baby grand piano to the rear and Gaelic music was advertised, with much Gaelic script in evidence; beyond is a further area, presumably for functions, delineated by dark curtains. Customers were overwhelmingly Irish and in high spirits, the overall ambience being good, to a decent soundtrack. Décor amounts to masses of ugly Six Nations bunting, framed prints and literally dozens of empty Jameson’s bottles lining all the windowsills, no doubt remaindered from this place’s time as Jameson. Lavs are good, with two cubicles, no less. Ales amounted to two unused pumps, with a Neck Oil at £3.75 a half, served by a friendly barmaid. This is ok for what it is, but the lack or real ale and better pubs in the area, mean I don’t see a justification for a return.

There were two ales on when I dropped in on Wednesday afternoon - St Austell Tribute and Brains Rev James (£2.20 a half). There were menus at one end of the bar but I didn't get to look at one, but they clearly do food. There are several distinct drinking areas, with curtains seemingly able to separate at least three of them. The end room on the left is The Parlour, is furnished with armchairs, has a lampstand, a painting of a lady on a horse on one of the walls, and is I guess intended to look like your granny's drawing room. The dominating feature in the remainder of the pub is the grand piano. There are a couple of tall tables/tall stools; a bank of settles complete with cushions in the centre of the room; some upholstered bench seating; and loads of normal tables and chairs. The colour scheme's mainly green - dark green ceiling and light green walls. The windows are quite small, which makes it either quite gloomy, or cosy and intimate, depending on your viewpoint. Although the desired chintzy effect is quite contrived, it's still quite nice and comfortable inside. There were several locals in on Wednesday afternoon enjoying some convivial conversation. The Rev James was in good shape as well, even if the price was a little steep for a backstreet locals' pub.

Within the last five years the Fox and Hounds has been renamed Jameson which is an attractive pub with seating out the front that is overlooked by hanging baskets brimming with flora. Plants also overhang the top of barrels and I noted the presence of a barbeque. The large interior is L shaped and during my visit on Friday afternoon a couple of weeks ago the back section was curtained off. I did manage to have a peek as the friendly landlady told me that the toilets located downstairs were closed for repairs and I was directed to the disabled toilet at the rear. I discovered some comfortable seating that is also found in the front area of the pub and a piano that may be used for the jazz, bluegrass swing and blues nights; the next of which was due to take place the following Sunday. Standard draught is available from the bar and the two hand pumps were off, but apparently XPA is usually available. This is a comfortable pub that I would consider popping back into if I was walking past.