The Forester, West Ealing, W13

This is an impressive looking pub, to put it mildly. In a generally unimpressive area The Forester looks quite majestic as you turn the corner from Northfield Avenue. The exterior of this Edwardian edifice has retained most, if not all, of its original features including the tiling, and marble and wooden(!) or wood clad pillars. The interior is equally impressive, although the Edwardians were not quite so extravagant as their Victorian predecessors in the previous century. Original bar backs, bar counters, tiled fireplaces (I photographed a contented pub dog sunbathing in front of one of them) and floral design leaded windows all remain. There are still separate room, although there has been considerable opening up, but the separate room on the right (the old public bar possibly) is not in use. It also has the appearance of having retained its identity as a community local. There’s nothing apparently overly gastro here, and although one of the back rooms contained tables set for diners, I saw no signs of any food or menus during my midweek lunchtime visit. The drinking areas were all carpeted with normal tables and chairs and banquettes. There was a dartboard next to one of the fireplaces. There were two real ales on during my visit – Courage Best and Summer Lightning. I had the latter which was an excellent drop of ale at £3.05 a pint. Despite its grandeur this is still a real pub. I would be delighted to visit again if I was in the area.