The Red Lion, Isleworth

This pub seems like a game of 2 halves.the lounge bar is comfortable but in a 70,s way and then the public bar is a rough and ready boozer.Even though i have visited this pub about 30 times just for a quick drink and the beer fests i feel treated like a stranger.Good selection of 6 cask beers usually but never seem to get a great beer in here.Still a great community pub and best in the area.

An unusual and attractive side-street pub just over five minutes walk from Isleworth BR. I made an effort to pop in due to the praise heaped upon it and, unlike the other pub visited that day for the same reason (the Bricklayers in Putney) I think this one thoroughly showed why it has earned the plaudits. The large interior is a traditional two-roomed affair, public and lounge, with a number of old fittings (such as the mahogany-varnished bar and glass windows) still in situ. It’s perhaps a little worn (the unkind might say scruffy) in some parts but I’d rather take the well-worn over the bland refurb any day. Despite the cold grey day outside the pub was warm and already had a few punters in on my early afternoon visit. There were seven ales on featuring an interesting and eclectic mix, along with a few unusual ciders/perries and some Belgian stuff in the fridge. My three ales were all in good shape, the Ilkley especially so. The unexplored garden (too cold to think about going outside!) is apparently very good. A lot of community events seem to happen here, including a locally-renowned bawdy panto that takes place in early January and is always a sell-out (you have to buy tickets in advance). Live jazz music was advertised and two dart boards available. An excellent backstreet pub that I really must get round to revisiting sooner rather than later.

Situated in a quietish residential Isleworth side street is The Red Lion, an enterprising and popular community local. The pub dates back to 1846 and retains a two bar layout although the rooms are used for different purposes than the original etched glass in the door indicates. The former “ saloon and billiards” bar is now the lounge bar whereas the “bottle and jug” is now the public bar. Looking at the lay out of the interior, I suspect there was probably once more than two bars. The lounge bar is comfortably furnished with some red letter settees and traditional circular bar stools and seating. At the back of this room is a smallish stage which is used for the frequent live music events which are held regularly throughout the week. At the side of the bar, an old iron sign tells us that this was a former Royal Brewery of Brentford pub. Numerous framed CAMRA certificates attest to the popularity and quality of the real ales that have been offered over the years. A small fish tank sits proudly on the side of the bar – not sure how long it’s been there, I’ve just never noticed it before. An unmarked door leads through to the smaller public bar. Notably, there’s no real difference in the level of comfort and furnishings when compared to the lounge bar. The public bar is also cosy and carpeted and features red leather settees and bar stools. Towards the back of the bar is a billiards table, which seemed to be in continuous use during my recent Saturday visit. Decoration includes a stuffed deer’s head with antlers high up on the wall looking down on proceedings. There’s also a signed Harlequins rugby shirt. Note also the small photograph showing a band of customers outside the pub in 1887 celebrating Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. A pleasant garden at the rear of the pub features well tended and colourful flower beds, some old Courage Brewery lamps by the garden entrance ( and an old local CAMRA Beer Guide confirms that this was one a Courage pub ) , a Charringtons Toby Welsh lamp and, most notably, a striking mural depicting a damsel accompanied by a red lion. For some reason, which was not obvious, one of the tables on the grass had been painted a lurid pink colour. There’s also some seats outside at the front on the pavement edge. An excellent and varied range of real ales is always on offer here – usually around 9 or 10 in total. Different beers are served in each bar, but each pump is double clipped, so you can see all the available beers without having to walk through from one bar to the other. On my visit, beers include Red Squirrel Summer Ale, Ascot Ales On The Rails ( a dark malty mild ) , Harviestoun Bitter and Twisted and Meantime Pale Ale. Prices were around the £ 3.30p / £ 3.40p mark. All beers tasted were in excellent form. The pub is a CAMRA Good Beer Guide regular and holds a number of beer festivals during the year which are advertised in London Drinker. There aren’t many pubs in this area of West London that are specifically worth going out of your way to visit – but this is undoubtedly one of them

Bar does tend to get a bit crowded with regulars but I generally find them very amicable. Have noticed some bar staff seem slow to serve or ignore the part of bar without pool table, unless you are a local who can call out thier name. Can't get over how many dogs there always seems to be in here. Like to see a dog in a pub but bit like Battersea sometimes having to step over them. Good garden. Not a massive real ale drinker, but can see this is very much a pub for the real ale. Does seem to be live music on every night but can always go in other bar if not agreeable to you. Once saw a man play a banjo in here with a saucepan on his head which had a chipolata dangling from the handle. All in all, I like it

This is a very attractive, traditional two bar pub down a side street close to Isleworth train station. The lounge bar is on the left hand side of the pub and is itself split into two different areas with the front half providing a decent stretch of bar for the locals to sit along and some plush furnishings in the shape of red leather sofas and some smart looking bookcases (a book swap system is in place here). To the rear is the music room which has a lot of low stool seating and a small stage in one corner. A large, well kept garden can be accessed from here and I took the opportunity to enjoy a pint out in this peaceful spot before the evening drew in. There was an outdoor bar and BBQ area in the garden which suggests that it will really come into its own in the summer months. The saloon bar is quite compact, with some low stools and sofas for seating. It was a lot livelier around this side when I paid my visit with customers playing darts and pool to a fairly loud soundtrack. The room is decorated with a lot of framed cigarette cards, various bits of brewerania and a signed and framed Harlequins rugby shirt. My visit happily coincided with their May Bank Holiday Beer Festival, although despite being presented with a list of around 50 beers, only nine were to be on at any given time via the handpulls on the bar (4 in one bar, 5 in the other but helpfully double clipped to avoid having to enter both rooms to see what's on). I tried four different beers and found them all to be in good condition. There seemed to be a good cider and perry selection as well. Quite a few people were eating in the lounge bar and although I didn't try any food myself, I have to say that the plates that were brought out past me looked very tempting. I thought this was a lively and well looked after pub with a lot to recommend. I wouldn't hesitate to call in here again should I find myself in the area and I would certainly consider making a trip out for another one of their beer festivals.