please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Good review by JohnBonser below. But no longer any hand pulls.
In here on Saturday afternoon and about a dozen others here also.
A pint of Sam Smiths Old Brewery Bitter costs £2.90.
|
I'd forgotten this pub existed. Unmarked and off the beaten track. Clean inside but has the feel of one of the old Harvester pubs. Pint of Sam Smiths Old Brewery Bitter. Clean glass, good head, nice pint. Decent price to ! Not many places in Isleworth you can find a pint under �3. Bar staff happy and welcoming. What you see is what you get, it's not a pretentious pub but it's not a pub I'd want to spend the whole night in.
|
Well the place is dirty, dusty, empty and over half of it is closed.
It used to be a good pub apparently but has just gone stale. There is no reason to go to this pub except if you really love sam Smiths beers... and honestly there are better out there.
Prices always low but then wetherspoons undercut them and at least you can get a choice of Real Ales there... Food basic and generic.
|
Popped in yesterday on a cycleride along the river, and even on a nice sunny day there was plenty of space on the decked area. The OBB was in excellent nick, and although it will never be my favourite beer at �2.11 it is certainly value.
Is this the only pub with a National Trail (The Thames Path) actually going through the licenced area?
|
Situated just downstream from the London Apprentice, on which I have just posted, is the much less well known Town Wharf, a two-storey Sam Smith's pub built to resemble somewhat a Swiss chalet.In true Sam's style, it is unbadged and also unsignposted from the main road, hidden away at the end of a quiet side street in an area of new build offices and apartments.
As you'd expect from Sam's, the interior is very traditional - if not original - with a nice carpeted snug on the left of the main central bar with leather banquettes and old photos and a room with a pool table on the right, similiarly furnished. The floor is tiled and there's some stained glass partitions.
The outside decking affords a view of Isleworth Ait in the middle of the River Thames, but you can't see the towpath on the opposite bank of the river and the view is less impressive than further upstream. Steps lead from this decking to an upstairs bar, but this was not open on my recent visit.
Notably, this pub appears to have a small band of regulars - perhaps for the cheaper beer. The Sam Smiths OBB is cheap at � 1.99p of course and it's on the handpump as well.
First time visitors to the area will probably want to go to the better known London Apprentice, but, assuming you can find it, the Town Wharf is a more than acceptable alternative and is likely to be less busy.
|
Further Addenda. Now vacated by the replacements for the delightful couple. (after 4 weeks) Will keep you informed.
|
Addenda, recently vacated by the afore-mentioned delightful couple
after 4 months. What's occurring with Sam's?
Watch this space for further details.
|
Recently taken over by a delightful couple, Keith and Fiona, who are making every effort to ensure that this remains a pleasant place to drink. The beer's good and cheap (�1.94) and the view lovely. Far better than it's over-priced and pretentious neighbour, "The London Apprentice"
|
A great location, comfortable pub, it's a shame there is only the usual Sam Smith's beer, if they had a guest beer I would go there more often.
|
A Pint of "Old Brewery" at �1.90 and a sausage butty with chips for �2.95 in pretty pleasant surroundings both in and out.
'Nuff said I think.
|
A pub with comfortable sofas (so many in one place I have not seen outside a furniture showroom) and beers by Sam Smith's which means good value even if there is little range, and Smith's also have a habit of deleting real ale at all at the moment. It also has a good view over the river, though it is less popular than the Apprentice, possibly because fewer people know it is there - it hides itself away down an alley and does not particularly shout to the outside world along the river either, unlike the Apprentice which is on a busy bend in the road and the river too.
|
Brilliant setting and amazingly quiet. Great for a still summer afternoon or even a cosy winter pint. Feels like an old man's pub, and maybe better for it.
|
It took me a while to find my way up to the top bar (bottom was closed) and I have to admit to being shocked to find myself walking into a Sam Smiths pub as this is the first one I have been into out of London.
SS pubs usually have some sort of wow factor about them and this one is no exception. A good looking 2 bar/2 floor pub with lovely views of the Thames from the large decked terraces. The barmaid was polite enough on my visit and the beer was very cheap, as you would expect.
I�m not a big SS fan but this pub is well worth a visit, especially if the sun is shining.
|
I agree with gladstone - I have never worked out when the downstairs is open either. I imagine it is a cost-cutting exercise. However, if it is the it is also a customer-cutting service as well. Isleworth suffers for already being on the wrong side of the Thames - scruffy, office-inhabited and "a bit council" (a comment I heard from a stuffy couple in the London Apprentice up the road) but it IS on the river and a prime spot with fabulous views, georgian properties and bird-life plus a lack of too many plummy toffs pontificating over the Telegraph about the price of Bentleys and over-boisterous chavs. It's generally an OK area (and far nicer than the London Road / Ivybridge end). It's fate lies with the Landlord!
|
Just thought I'd mention this in case the owners are reading... I was at the Town Wharf on Sunday when a party of about 6 arrived. One of the party was an elderly lady who needed a frame to help her walk. The party decided not to stay as there is no access for disabled people. The bar on the ground floor was shut and the seats outside can only be accessed by the steps. Surely, with this in mind, it would make more sense to open the downstairs bar and have the upstairs bar open if and when the pub gets busy.
|
A Sam Smith's in my local area? Cheap wonderful Extra Stout that tastes so good and the pub is next to (virtually overhanging) the Thames (on the rather unglamourous, less picturesque North Bank). I prefer this no-nonsense establishment compared to the overpriced and pompous London Apprentice further upstream. Isleworth has a welter of pubs - this is the best of the bunch
|
Pity about the generic drinks - all own label. The new owner has improved the food,which was nice if slightly odd - we had kleftiko with yorkshire pudding. (Good for a hangover, I suppose!) True, I've not seen the downstairs bar open, ever.
|
strange, strange, strange pub. Great location, but seriously nothing else. Felt like we'd walked into a masoleum. Is the downstairs bar ever open? Is there ever any customers?
|
Love it! Love it! Infact i'm in there tonight...
what more can u say...its just a great cushy oldey woldy pub...highly reccommended...
|
A decent pub, which serves the Samuel Smiths beers at very reasonable prices! (Can�t remember the last time I paid less the �2 for a GOOD pint!). Used to get intolerably smoky, but now the bans in effect it�s a pleasant enough atmosphere inside. Outside it has a lovely balcony and a fairly spacious terrace looking out over the Thames. Very varied clientele, red nosed locals, students, families, professional types, all there for a decently priced present drink with a lovely view. My only criticism is it seems to lack soul! How they�d sort that though, I�m not sure! Well worth a walk to for a drink mind.
|
First went to the pub on opening day some 20 years ago and then forgot all about it.Read on this site that it was a served samuel smith beer so i returned.The pub is very friendly and the beer is excellent.The seating is all chesterfield and very comfortable.Although i live a few miles from the pub it is worth the sacrifice to taste exceptional beer.Even better in the summer when you can sit next to the thames.
amrik - 11 Mar 2007 17:48 |
'God Bless Sam Smith' wrote one reviewer.
Actually, it is Humphrey now. If he was not so mean and curmudgeonly- refusal to advertise, including brewery name- I would have visited this pub 18 months ago when I was in Old Isleworth every weekend. No mean feat as I live in the Yorkshire moors.
Since I was blissfully unaware that the Town Wharf was a Sam Smiths pub I ignored it and visited the other, more easily found if rather sad pubs hereabouts.
Called in on Saturday to the top bar: judging by the layout food is important here: found the usual array of cheaper than norm brews, though not Wheat Beer: fantastic riverside location, which must be idyllic in summer: splendid leather seating. Easy access for the Twickenham international rugby union ground and to Syon Park, and not more than a leisurely stroll into Richmond Upon Thames.
Top banana- even if the p**ck that runs the brewery is too mean to advertise this jewel.
|
We found this easily the friendliest pub when we moved here in Jan 2006. In fact so much so that teenage son wanted to work there in his hols. Yes, we're wrinklies. It's on the river, a fantastic location, cheap beer and good food. Fellow customers good company and love the Wednesday quiz (came third last time, sorry no autographs, chaps). I'm mum and think the wine could be a bit cheaper, but then, having lived and worked in the Twickenham/Richmond/Isleworth area for 30 years - yes, we're that old - know that drinking, eating (heck living) around here is EXPENSIVE. Can't understand why there's no board on the main road proclaiming it as it is a little oasis tucked away by the swans and the ducklings opposite Isleworth Ait. Ditto no advertising in the local press?
|
I tried the lager in the tall slim glass last night.. beautiful! Suggested same to the 'Pope' (he's from SA) and he luvved it too..!! Great lager!
We were then invited to drink-up at 10.35pm (Sunday laws..) and proceeded to sit in the 'Rolling Stones' concert traffic-jam on the A316 (Chertsey Road) for 3/4 of an hour! Traffic solid! Jammed in all directions! Not a traffic cop in sight for the whole journey home! Well done Twickenham police...how did you manage it...? Nice pub though.. (Gawd bless the 'Rocking Bones') !! TJ
|
If you like lager try the Aylingerbrau (4.5%, 5% or 6% strengths). Then wobble home nowhere near in line with the crow or the bee..! TJ
|
Note to management - do those patio heater things work on the downstairs deck? It can get chilly outside on the lower level in the early evening, and if the rivers high it can make it cooler than usual. (I would go inside, but my gas-mask is broken at present, and so I can't breathe in there!) TJ
|
'GP' hits the nail on the head again..! A great little pub (not so little) with upstairs AND downstairs balconys over-looking the River Thames - fantastic! But a bugger to get to if you're using public transport (my bus journey took 40 mins!!) Still 15mins if coming from Richmond.
Its a SAM SMITH pub, so the beer prices are cheaper than your average bar. They serve lunches, but no food in evening on Sundays anymore (not even french fries)! If you like lager try the 'Fat Man' lager (German origin) and progress to the 5.5% or even 6% (Prince) lagers if you can stand the heat!!
GOD BLESS SAM SMITH... WHEREVER YOU ARE...!!
I like the brown leather sofas & armchairs, cosy! But i don't like the cigarette/smog constantly hanging in the bar area!! (Lots of students from the two local colleges use this pub a lot, so you may get involved in a 'rag week' prank, or 'Toga Party' ritual, or some other student shananagans, if you're really unlucky!)You WILL have a sore throat next morning, and you WILL stink of stale smoke when you get home!! And the missus will know you've been down the pub again!!
GOD, WHEN WILL BAR MANAGERS WAKE UP TO THIS HEALTH HAZARD...!!!?? Split the pub in half, if people must smoke, its not fair on 2/3 of the UK population who don't...!! I'd come more often, and bring others too!! I'll kick that soap-box back under my seat now, sorry about that..!! Lovely pub! Nice boats! TJ
|
Pleasant enough riverside pub, good for outside drinking, but probably suffering from the proximity of the London Apprentice. Beer is cheaper obviously at the Town Wharf since it's a Sam's pub. Located just off the main road, surprised it doesn't advertise its presence on the road side ( with a blackboard, pointed arrow etc ?) as you probably wouldn't find it by accident. But then advertising its presence is not really Sam Smith's style is it ?
|
Warm and inviting on a cold February day, seems very child friendly for a Sunday lunch and nice view over the river. Sam Smiths bitter was good and refreshingly cheap, but dissapointed with the single vegetetarian option of quiche. Had to move on to eat elsewhere, but would of quite happily stayed all afternoon if there had been a decent vegetarian choice on offer.
|
Couldn't agree more. Good location, lovely place, friendly staff, good home cooked food. Samuel Smiths is always a bonus too. Good for a winter's day watching the freezing Thames go by.
|
Always loved this pub, Went there last night with friend, and she really loved it. You have to go to pubs further along the Thames to get this close to the river, either up, or down-stream, but none of them are as comfortable or as welcoming.
|
I really like this pub. The beer is very enjoyable. There is quite a range of diffrent beers on tap and bottled. The surroundings are very pleasant. Sitting on leather sofas and overlooking the Thames is a great way to spend time.
|
Lovely location on a warm afternoon, sitting on the boardwalk over the Thames watching the world go by...Good Sunday lunch at reasonable rates. Bit smokey inside on a cold day. Husband loves the quiz night on a Wednesday although Sean sets it at a high level. Comfy sofas upstairs and child friendly until 9pm.
|
this used to be my local until i moved outborough. to be fair the bitter has always been a bit pants and the lager is a bit chemically for my taste but it was "home" for a lot of years. i called in last week and had the misfortune to have had the worst pint of bitter i've had there ever. i hope it was just a bad day 'cause i'm sure it didn't used to be that bad. oh well, how the mighty have fallen and all that. its still a comfortable pub with great sofas and an interesting view of isleworth ait and the local boatyard. so all in all it's worth a visit just hope you get a good day with the bitter
|
The lagers in this pub are excellent, as they are in every Sam Smiths pub - If you just want your bog standard Stella or Carling go to one of the trillions of other pubs that offer such wares..
Best pub in the area by far, and miles better than the London Apprentice, which has some of the worst service in the area.
|
Lagers I'd never heard of and when I tasted it I knew why. Like Gazebo in Kingston. Nice location but a bit pants with no atmosphere if I'm being honest.
|
I like this pub. The food is really nice and its an ideal place to go as a couple for a few quiet drinks. Wednesdays are usually livlier though as they have the pub quiz which is quite good fun!
|
This is a fantastic pub. What could better than a pint of Ayingerbrau and a packet of Phileas Fogg poppadoms? The stout here is lovely too. Great location and low prices- I can't recommend this place highly enough!
|
Top notch pub
anonymous - 8 Dec 2004 13:50 |
Short on the variety of drinks.. Are you insane, this is a Sam Smiths pub..
If you mean the Fosters, Guinness and John Smiths were missing, then that is why. All the better the pub is for having some decent cheap ales as well.
|
No atmosphere in this pub.. but nice location on the river. Short on the vriety of drinks sold... could be better
|
Magnificent pub, it's only fault which is a major one is it's a real ass to get to.
Sam Smiths pubs are always the bees knees for best beers and prices so you can't go wrong really, as long as you can get home easily.
|
I go there cuase the beer is cheap,
good and they also have cider.
Food is quite good,nice atmosphere,
good to look at wildlife.
better than a lot of pubs in twicken ham.
7/10
Andy.s - 15 Jun 2004 19:19 |
unusual beers (german sort of stuff) im never sure what to order, but makes a change from the usual fullers/fosters etc really nice location, brilliant outside terrace on the thames for summer drinking quite comfy inside for colder days/nights.
definitely worth a visit
millym - 15 Dec 2003 16:36 |
Nice pub on the Thames. We used to say it was like the club in Twin Peaks. Some people don't go for the Samual Smiths beer but I quite like it. The clientelle can be a bit dull mind.
Good for: summer nights or winter days
James - 26 Nov 2003 15:29 |
fantastic outside terrace/decked area with riverview. comfy inside upstairs & downstairs bars. not your typical brews on sale but lots of variety & something to suit everyone. definitely worth a visit.
sue - 27 Oct 2003 20:24 |
Good location, best pub in the area, excellent food, staff very friendly and helpfull.
Diablo - 13 Oct 2003 12:52 |
Excellent starting point for any event at Twickenham - 10-15 mins walk - especially on Internationals days. Beers fine, food good quality and portions and staff friendly.
Chris Nixon - 3 Sep 2003 20:18 |
Beautiful terrance overlooking Thames - great in summer. Lovely leather sofas upstairs. No-one's heard of their beers (no household names), but the Prinz larger is a match for any German brew. Prices good. Lunchtime nosh good. Sunday lunch good.
Fergus - 9 Aug 2002 20:13 |
