London’s Best Beer, Pubs and Bars updates
West London: Chiswick
Tiles at the Tabard, London W4
Traditional pub (Taylor Walker/Spirit)
2 Bath Road W4 1LN
T (020) 3582 2479 W taylor-walker.co.uk
Open 1200-2400 (Thu-Sat 0100). Children welcome until 2100.
Cask beers 5 (Young’s, local & other guests) Cask marque, Also A few malts and wines.
Food Taylor Walker pub grub menu, Outdoor Front/side terrace, Wifi. Disabled toilet.
Fringe theatre/comedy in upstairs theatre, alternate Sn blues, ocasional quiz.
“We’re the best real ale pub in west London,” the cellar manager of the Tabard tells me with admirable loyalty. The claim may be debatable, but this large and friendly place just round the corner from Turnham Green Tube is certainly several cuts above average for the Taylor Walker chain in terms of beer choice, and has many other attractions. It’s on the southwest corner of Bedford Park, the “garden suburb” development of the 1880s that also spawned the Duke of Sussex (p221), and likewise celebrates the Arts and Crafts style of the day.
The handsome, rustic-styled exterior, designed by Norman Shaw, still displays its original sign, and encloses a series of rooms preserving some fascinating original features. Don’t miss the spectacular tiles by William De Morgan in the right hand bar, and also look out for the tiled fireplaces, one of which includes a depiction of nursery rhyme heroine Little Bo Peep. Further points of interest are the popular upstairs theatre, which has played host to the likes of Al Murray and Russell Brand; a blissful lack of piped music; and its proximity to the green spaces of Acton Green and Chiswick commons — it’s popular with amateur footballers enjoying a pint after midweek practice.
Of the five real ales on offer, only Young’s London Gold is a resident. The rest constantly change, often chosen in response to customer request. Beers with a localish slant are particularly favoured and breweries regularly supported include Itchen Valley, Purity, Red Squirrel and Sambrook’s. Staropramen is the best lager choice. There’s an extensive but standardised pub grub menu including sandwiches, jackets, burgers, pies, steaks, fish and chips and a “mega masala”.
Underground Turnham Green Cycling Link to LCN+ 35
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