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Disappointment of the week with Real Ale Ray
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The Hampshire, Hammersmith, W6
W6
W6 9JT
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 4½ of 10) see review guidelines
Delboy 20 left this review about The Hampshire
No ale on at all when I called so I fell into the same trap as Tris C below with an expensive Neck Oil! I wouldn't bother again.
On 3rd May 2023
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 1656 recommendations about 1556 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Tris C left this review about The Hampshire
A pub has existed here since the early 18th century, with the current incarnation arriving in 1883, built for former local brewer, Sichs.
The name recently truncated, this has undergone a major makeover rendering it rather stark, resembling what in effect is now a restaurant serving Indian food and shisha pipes to the area’s non-existent Arab community in the substantial, decked rear garden. The ‘tearoom’ theme now long abandoned, it would seem that the left-hand room is now exclusively for dining, seemingly occupied by one large group; thereafter, no one was eating in the larger right-hand room. Otherwise, the floor is bare boarded, the walls are mushroom in colour up to the dado then white to the white ceiling; window reveals are painted smoky grey; furniture is modern and ‘zoned’. Lighting comes from crystal chandeliers and matching sconces, accompanying music emanated from some anonymous popstrel. One of the most noticeable and least appealing features, were the megavision projector screens showing the cricket, which naturally no one was watching. Thereafter, décor comprises trendy framed watercolours. The net result was that the interior comes across as being soulless. Late Saturday evening, customers were few in number, just a handful of young women at the table next to me, probably drinking Prosecco; there may have been more people drinking out in the cold, al fresco.
The ale front was flimsy with just the one pump, clip reversed so a Neck Oil it was at a painful £3.75 a half, served by a barman who was dressed like a waiter in a smart restaurant.
This is now in effect an Indian restaurant showing sport to few customers, in a less than attractive area; I can’t think of a reason to come here given the Anglesea, a short walk up the road.
On 24th January 2022
- rating: 4
[User has posted 1983 recommendations about 1949 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Rex Rattus left this review about The Hampshire Hog
There were a couple of real ales on during my midweek lunchtime visit - there was a Deuchars IPA clipped pump prominently on show, with another pump tucked away a few feet along the bar counter hiding behind a water or milk jug. This one had a Hampshire Hog (4.1%) clip on it. At £2.30 a half it was a bit on the expensive side for a straightforward brown bitter. On being asked who brewed it the barman said it was the same people who brewed Heineken, then after a re-think said he thought it was Edinburgh Castle. My guess is Caledonian as Deuchars was the other ale on. It tasted pretty good though, but not good enough to justify the price tag.
The pub itself is not much like a pub. As you enter, on the left is the "Pantry", which is a small room where all tables are laid for diners. The larger room on the right continues with the "tea rooms" look - one end of the bar counter has teapots and other china stuff on it; all the tables have sprigs of flowers on them; some of the tables and chairs are positively elegant (antique even); there were several vases around the place; and a table by the door bore some decorative things like ancient kitchen scales, cake stands, and pots of jam or preserves. I've encountered all manner of odious odours in pubs over the years, but the prevailing smell in here was one of cinnamon cakes. There are no fruit machines, TVs or pool tables in here of course.
In fact it's all very genteel. It just doesn't seem like the place to come for a few pints, even if undeterred by the prices. You could certainly bring your mother here to give her afternoon tea.
On 18th December 2015
- rating: 4
[User has posted 2606 recommendations about 2520 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
BobOs . left this review about The Hampshire Hog
We were looking forward to visiting as part of a Hammersmith crawl but the 'Bar + Pantry' sign offered a warning and a glimpse through the windows at what appeared to be a pub converted to a transport cafe was enough to put us off entering. Another on the 'not to bother' list.
On 27th February 2013
- rating: 3
[User has posted 370 recommendations about 355 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about The Hampshire Hog
First re-visit to the former Ruby Grand since the makeover and reopening as a 'Bar + Pantry' on 14 October 2011. What a difference - out has gone dark and gloomy decor in the lounge, to be replaced with a much lighter colour scheme. Still very much a gastro-pub, but there is a rather better selection of furniture with fewer annoying low tables. The dining area behind has also been brightened up, as has the small side room (with its very curious blue wallpaper which seemed to suck the atmosphere away as if in some spooky movie) which now sells a modest selection of fine food and wine. The decent-sized patio beer garden out back also remains, and was a popular spot on a warm late-October evening. Two real ales on handpump: Deuchars IPA and their 'house' Best Bitter (4.1%, £3.80, and served a bit on the warm side). Overall, still not my sort of pub but certainly more appealing.
On 6th November 2011
- rating: 6
[User has posted 8086 recommendations about 8086 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Steve C left this review about Ruby Grand
This place is about as gastro as it gets and includes a lounge bar, day room and conservatory at the rear that is used as a restaurant. There is also a well kept garden out the back which I imagine being very nice in the summer months.
I found the staff to be very friendly and alongside the premium lagers that were available during my visit there was also Jenning’s Lakeland Ale and some well served Pride.
This is the sort of place I’d take the missus to for a bite to eat, but I wouldn’t venture in on my own for a quick pint again.
On 6th June 2008
- rating: 6
[User has posted 5228 recommendations about 5196 pubs]