Fentiman Arms, SW8

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Rex Rattus left this review about Fentiman Arms

This pub got onto CAMRA SW London’s long list for inclusion in the GBG, so I was not surprised to see five ales on here. They were Doom Bar, Sambrook Junction, Fentiman Christmas Ale (Young’s branded), Adnam’s Broadside, and Twickenham Naked Ladies. I had a pint of the latter (£4.10) which came up very hazy, but drinkable. This is now something of a gatropub, although drinkers seem to be just as welcome. On Friday afternoon there was a single-sheet menu with, as I recall, main courses around £10 a pop.

Obviously there’s a sofa or two, but the majority of the furnishings are more suitable for diners. The chunky picnic type benches are more usually seen outdoors but in this sort of establishment they don’t really look out of place; and neither do the distressed brown leather upholstered benches, or the recycled school chairs. The colour scheme here is a mix of cream and battleship grey, which is often seen in gastropubs. The eating/drinking areas are wrapped around a central peninsular bar, and as well as the usual Christmassy stuff, there are more decorative twigs than I’ve ever seen in a pub.

The service here was friendly enough, and I would say that despite its gastro tendency it’s still a comfortable enough place to stop for a pint or two as long as you can get in there when it’s not too crowded. The ale selection is good (even though my Naked Ladies was not on top form) and I would be very happy to drop in here for another pint sometime.

On 28^th December 2013 - rating: 7
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