The Hand & Flower, Olympia, W14

Bang opposite Olympia, the pub dates from 1788, but was rebuilt exactly one hundred years later and is now a Fuller’s house, which I visited once before in 1987. Much has changed in the 35 years since my last visit. Then it was a dark and atmospheric boozer, but no longer. Most of the wall space comprises large picture windows, with narrow clerestories, but it’s now more opened out and very bright. The floor is modern boarded with a deep black and white chequered bar apron and paintwork is smoky blue to two thirds height then white, with a white Anaglypta ceiling, with recessed downlighters, along with Wellington lanterns. The bar is large and field panelled in pale wood, with a tubular steel and tiled back. Furniture is fairly conventional with a pus-coloured banquette to the front periphery. Décor amounted to little bottles to tables filled with flowers. There’s a booth snug to the rear, with some books on shelves, which seemed to be occupied by a few of the barmaid’s friends; otherwise, there were just two customers. TVs were on, showing the news with the sound off and mood music played. It was also quite chilly inside, the landlady wearing her parka. A predictable ale line-up given the owner: Seafarer, Oliver’s Island, Pride and Jack Frost, as good as any Fuller’s ale is ever going to get and sensitively served in a San Miguel glass at £2.75 a half. This is not a great pub; the Albion and Cumberland Arms are a stone’s throw away.

A very busy Fullers pub popular with the conference set due to its proximity to Olympia, which is reflected in its prices. It has been recently renovated, but the vinyl and laminate flooring and corporate décor have removed most of its original charm and left it feeling like a works canteen. The long bookshelf and stuffed deer’s head completely fail to confer any cosiness. Food was mostly burgers plus a few ‘popular’ choices – Cajun chicken and pulled pork, that sort of thing, and it took a long time to arrive once ordered. Staff were friendly at first, though I thought soliciting tips was a bit cheeky. Three ales on, I had redwood which I found a bit bland but was good enough for a pint or two. A decent enough place for a working lunch, if you can put up with the noise, and I’d probably drop in for a pint if passing.

Large impressive looking Fullers pub.Large windows let in lots of light.Good range of keg beers and Fullers cask beers.Busy on my visit.Nice one.