please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
My review shall pale into insignificance compared to the excellent ones posted by JohnBonser and RexRattus, but nonetheless I shall continue. I find The Blue Anchor to be a pleasant pub, a traditional place. The staff are good and help to create a friendly atmosphere inside. Obviously it's excellent to sit outside by the river in the summer, but even in somewhat cooler times I like to visit The Blue Anchor due to the interior.
Thankfully when I last visited the music seemed to be being played at an inoffensive volume (this was during the daytime), I hope that continues and they don't start blaring it out as the evening draws in.
I wouldn't say The Blue Anchor is a spectacular pub, but when in this area it's an excellent place to drink. When one considers that the immediate alternatives to it are The Rutland and The Old City Arms, it seems better still. Well worth a drink in.
Amy_J - 11 Sep 2009 11:39 |
It’s right on the river near Hammersmith Bridge. With its outside seating with superb river views it can get very crowded during the summer. But on a wet Wednesday lunchtime in early September it was fairly empty – only me and two other old boys enjoying a pint or two. I think it’s quite an attractive pub – the appropriately blue painted exterior looks good in this setting, and the interior is also rather nice with what looks like an original Courage bar back(?) on the right. Decoration consists mainly (of course) of rowing related paraphernalia, plus an old £SD cash register on the end of the bar, and what appears to be some wartime helmets on one of the walls. It’s bare boarded, which unfortunately does nothing to help suppress noise levels in a pub, and the walls are dark wood panelled. Seating is a mixed bag of high stools at ledges along the front and one side of the pub and at a couple of high tables, banquettes and normal tables and chairs.
They had three real ales on when I was in: Sharp’s Doom Bar; Sambrook’s Wandle; and Skinner’s Betty Stogs. I had the superb Betty Stogs, which was £3.30 a pint. I’m used to paying this sort of price in London of course, but if it’s a choice between paying £2.80 for GKIPA or £3.30 for an excellent ale like Betty Stogs then I’ll readily stump up the extra 50p. The food menu looked pretty straightforward. I had a tuna/ciabbatta sandwich with a salad garnish for £5.95. Again, not cheap, but what would one expect at somewhere with a location like the Blue Anchor?
The pub seems to be run by a couple of good humoured Kiwis. The only downside for me was the pop music being played a bit too loudly, which seemed a bit out of keeping with the character of the place. But that’s just my subjective opinion – maybe others would like it. I’m certainly happy to drop in again sometime for another pint.
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Good pub, far superior than its next door rival
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Very nice summer pub. Can get very busy. Watch out for cyclists, especially after a few lagers in the sun. I was there a while back with 8 other mates from South Africa and got hit by a cyclist with 4 pints in my hands. The poor cyclist came off second best, with the loss of only i pint. LOL!! He still tried to blame me. The bar staff even offered to replace the lost pint. Was a great day.
Kyer1 - 25 Aug 2009 07:50 |
Decent pub - tried all three of the ales on offer (which judging by a previous review don't change all that regularly). Kept fairly well, although the Adnams Explorer was far too warm. Decent interior, but its main asset is its location right on the river by Hammersmith Bridge. If its a nice day and there's a seat outside this is definitely worth a visit, but be prepared to pay a premium for your drinks.
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Smallish riverside pub on Hammersmith Mall with a fine view of Hammersmith Bridge and the river from the outside tables at the front. The pub dates back to 1722 and claims to be older than both the famous Dove and the Rutland next door ( virtually ).
This pub has had a refurbishment since I last dropped in several years ago, inevitably leading to the loss of a bit of its previous character and individuality.
The bar has been mover round and now faces the river. The former Courage bar back remains in situ and the small stubby handpumps now sit proudly unused on a shelf by the front window.
There now seems to be more room inside, probably because some of the old traditional tables and chairs have gone and have been replaced by those high circular tables and tall bar stools that seem to be very much in vogue nowadays. The wood pannelling and rowing memorabilia is still there thankfully.
I suppose I would sum the refurbishment up by saying that there's still a reasonably traditional feel, but it's now a bit more sanitized and impersonal. It's still family owned however and not a pubco chain pub.
There's now slightly more of a food emphasis and a dedicated dining area upstairs.
My recent visit was noteworthy for a rare sighting of Betty Stogs, who, for the benefit of those less knowledgeable in these matters, is not a long lost relative, nor some fearsome Northern pub matriarch, but a fine pale coloured hoppy beer from Truro. Other beers on were Landlord and Sharps Doom Bar.
Rather like the Black Lion further down towards Chiswick, the Blue Anchor is not a must visit pub, but this is a nice stretch of the river and the Blue Anchor is worth calling in on, particularly on sunny days.
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I came away with very mixed feelings about this place.
It’s undoubtedly a tidy little pub with an impressive riverside setting and friendly welcoming staff. However, the barmaid seemed to know very little about the beers she was selling and the temperature of the beer was way too cold. The Doombar seemed on the turn anyway, but the Betty Stoggs would have been fine, if it had been served a degree or two warmer. At an eye-watering £3.32 a pint punters deserve better.
In short a nice pub, but not quite as good as it thinks it is.
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Great pub, along with the service and lager
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We have been regular visitors to the Blue Anchor over the years, on our way from our favoured parking spot to events at the Hammersmith Odeon. Last walked past a year or so ago when it was closed for refurbishment and, at the time, feared the worst. However, last night saw our re-entry into this classic riverside pub and we were very happy. The refurbishment has seen the bar turned through 90 degrees across the centre of the room and a wheelchair access door added where the end of the bar used to meet the frontage. The original barback has been retained to provide a wall of mirrors and the tin bartop and handpumps have been resited along a drinking shelf facing the river. The toilets are now modern and spotless and I understand from other comments that an upsatirs dining room has been opened. The beer range doesn't seem to change from other comments already made, but is well-kept. The staff were friendly and welcoming and were happily surprised to see us again after the concert for another swift pint. It was completely empty downstairs at 10.30pm, but this was a Monday night, so perhaps not too surprising. A throughly pleasant experince all round.
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Interesting riverside pub, sells real ale and does food, riverine decor, one of the few pewter bar tops in England is a historic touch. Appears on a list of pubs compiled in 1722 so is at least that old, though the building's been rebuilt since.
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This is a good traditional pub, The staff were excellent, greeting us as we walked through the door, and the Kiwi barman recommended a wonderful New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. there are very good views of river from the front window of the pub. The food was very good and the portions generous, although the presentation could have been a little better. Overall a very pleasant experience and we will be back for sure.
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Hadn't been to this pub in years untill my christmas party in December. Food was the best i've eaten at a work christmas party.
I've been back a few times since with my family and been welcomed back with a smile each time. Friendly, smiling staff, well kept ales and good pub food - definately worth a look.
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Some mixed reviews below but I liked it here. A pleasant riverside location close to Hammersmith Bridge, with flowering baskets and tables overlooking the Thames. Internally there are wooden floors and panelled walls to the main L shaped area, with a further space behind containing a couple of Chesterfields and low tables. Another room upstairs plus a small terrace provide good river views.
Decor is river/ship based as the locale with oars, ships lights, anchors etc. Some interesting framed photographs include one of flooding in the vicinity from 1928, together with a framed newspaper article from the West London Observer dated Friday Jan 13th 1928 concerning the same event.
No issues with the beer or service, I did need to ask for my pint to be topped up but this was done with good grace and a smile. Beers were, Sharps Doom Bar, Taylors Landlord, and Brains SA.
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Discovered this gem over Christmas. We thought it was wonderful and ended up spending a few evenings there over the Christmas break. We found the staff to be very welcoming and eager to please so I'm a bit surprised by the comment below. Location obviously fantastic. Interior traditional and warm. Food very acceptable (we ate there twice). Wine list varied and reasonable. I don't drink bitter so can't comment. Excellent pub.
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Great location on the river front looks warm and inviting with candles lit in the window.Not inviting when inside... staff miserable and not welcoming .We asked when we could order food and was told a curt not till 6 and walked away. We were meeting up with 8 friends who all wanted to eat and they were all treated the same we had to wait till one minuite past 6.....should have walked out but it was a cold night and didn't want to dampen the mood any more.The food was ok but just plonked on table.Seems this place doesn't have to try because of it's location.Would not go again.
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Seems like a decent pub. Had three real ales on - Doom Bar, Timoth Taylor Landlord and Brains SA, tried them all, all well kept. Food was pretty good and not that pricey given the location. Overall a pretty good place.
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Very quiet on a rainy Friday lunchtime..needs to feel a bit more welcoming when the weather isn't working in its favour. Good to see Doom Bar on tap. Has promise...need to try the food out next time!
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Sorry have to disagree with the comment below on food. My team and I eat here at least once a week (office is nearby) and we have always found the food to be of a high standard and very good value (and we’re a fussy bunch of lawyers!). Certainly better than the Rutland or the Ship. Agree though that it’s a great pub in an awesome location!
hprbs - 15 Aug 2008 11:40 |
Lovely pub, great location, excellent refurb (apparently back to the pre-Sliding Doors period layout). Beers are good and coffees not bad either. Sadly the food is a terrible let down - the upstairs could become a great eating place (without ruining the traditional pub emphasis downstairs) if the quality of food was improved.
With friends in tow I've really tried to give it a good crack of the whip: 3 different pies have been tried, only one of which was passable. Cold mash potatoes with the pies twice. Miniscule (but tasty enough) fish pies (in the first few weeks they were humungous but mostly potato). Steak salad was okay, as was (surprisingly) the Mexican-style chicken fajitas dish. Bar snacks are more reliable, it seems.
Notwithstanding the above, I can't recommend a sweeter spot to drink (or eat) - for the mood and views, if not the flavours. I'm hoping the owners will read this and raise their game: I suspect that a small uplift in food standards would repay their costly and thoughtful refurbishment investment pretty quickly.
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The refurb took me by suprise. Been quite a while since last had a pint there. Bit more space & the atmosphere still remains the same. To be honest, they could have replaced the place with a portacabin & it still wouldn't have much effect - the view makes up for any inconsistencies with the refurb...
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Location to die for on the north bank of the river (therefore a real sun trap). Unpretentious menu. One of the best places in London for a simple lunchtime bite Monday thru Friday, weather permitting. Can be too popular on summer weekends. A bottle (or glass) of white wine from their imaginative list and a pint of shell-on prawns, with brown bread and butter, will hit the spot. Eat either outside or in the room upstairs, both overlooking the river. Only 5 mins walk from Hammersmith tube.
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Just awesome really. Riverside location with some of the best views in London. Drank outside until the sun went in and then sat in their upstairs bar with panoramic views of the river. I think the pub has been done up great (never realised it was so historic!). Good selection of food on the menu and given the quality of the food and location of the pub we all thought it was awesome value. Looking forward to returning this weekend.
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These guys have done a fantastic job on refurbing this pub. While I didn't mind the old boozer it was small, dark, dirty, smelly and in a real state of dis-repair (I guess some people would call that character!). They have kept many of the original features and I think have succeeded in maintaining the charm and history of the pub(it dates from 1722. There are some wonderful old pictures of it on display).They have also opened a second floor with fantastic views over the river. Its family run so the staff are very pleasant and keen to help. Spoke to the new owner who has a genuine affection for his pub. Good selection of Beer and everyone in my group thought the food was great(would never have eaten here before). We will be back. Well done!!!
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"Oh my good gawd Terry"
sounds like a right monz up!
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This classic pub has just been refurbed and has lost all of it's character and charm. It's bland, anonymous and just plain awful. Now complete with fake fireplace and a bookshelf painted on the wall - nice!
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If they cared about their regulars or even regular occasionals, they'd have announced the closure for refurb.. they'd also put signs up to annouce the re-opening. As I write, this is some two days away - no indications visible yet.
Let's hope they retain the best of the past, the gentle atmosphere: and that they don't copy the adjacent Rutland with unstopping loud music.
Pity the re-furb, by creating a new doorway, has reduced the river-facing area of the main bar. Wasn't that one of the main attractions? Written 21 3 08
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Let"s hope when it re-opens it"s a boozer Arthur & Terry can be proud of?
check out the end credits of the original Minder series!
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Due to re-open after refurbishment in mid-March, according to the banner outside.
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i know this place is having a refurb- but dont lose your reputation - i had the most awful meal at the weekend - no customer service
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Really bad pub. Went in a few days back and the service was terrible, the beer was awful and the wait on food was about 45 minutes - even though there were only two other people in the pub at the time. I do not recommend this place at all.
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Much nicer, cheaper and cleaner than The Rutland next door.
One of the best of the riverside pubs around the area.
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Small, old and dark are the best ways to sum this place up. I’ve never had a problem with the service or the quality of the lager/cider.
When the sun is shining the queue for drinks actually goes out of the entrance, but it is preferable to drinking in the Rutland.
I do like the fact that the staff actually ask you if you are drinking inside or out before palming you off with a plastic glass.
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The riverside location is the major draw here and it generally attracts a more mature and chav free client base. Don’t be fooled by the 6 handpumps though – 4 of them bore pump clips advertising the likes of Fosters, John Smiths Smooth and Kronenberg 1664. There were only 2 Ales actually on offer on my recent visit: Brakespears and London Pride. The interior is fairly small and it gets busy very quickly, especially on a warm sunny day although most people tend to overspill onto the riverside terrace with its views of Hammersmith Bridge. With a bit of patience, seating usually becomes available inside. The walls tend to act as a gallery for a local photographic agency although there are a few assorted tin hats, brass plates and other odds and sods on display. Pride of place probably goes to the sawn in half, upturned rowing boat suspended from the ceiling. Lots of dark paneling, bare floors and dated wallpaper. The piped music was a rather dull and repetitive but overall this is a far better and more homely pub than its next door neighbour.
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My colleagues and I thought it would be a good idea to go and have lunch there on sunny Friday afternoon. It wasn't that busy and yet we had to wait over an hour for our food without any apology and they even forgot one of my colleagues order which was pitta bread and houmous. So definitely would not recommend this pub unless the Dove, Rutlands or Old Ship are all so packed that you had no choice.
anonymous - 9 Mar 2007 14:34 |
Good riverside pub. Food a bit pricy, but huge portions, decent selection of beers.
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Great stop for a drink by the river on a pub crawl. Well worth it
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We sat here one friday lunch and consumed many ice cold pints. We were directly in the Heathrow flight path and were able to whatch each plane 45 seconds apart tearing overhead. What a sight!
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fine thameside boozer. it is a bit cramped inside, but that's because its an old pub. worth a stop off in a thames pub crawl.
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Great pub, enjoyed several ice cold Grolsch's down there on Friday evening - and they sell the proper big bottles, not the 330mls :o)
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Nice atmosphere but the layout makes for some tight seating arrangements.
Visit this and The Dove for a taste of the tradional and well-maintained West London riverside boozer
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Very nice pub but can get very crowded at times. The staff are fantastic and the beer very pleasent. Great location by the river does mean that it attracts a great diverse crowd. It is also far enough away from central Chavesville (Hammersmith)for the scum to bovver walkin innit!!!
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Home to Sean Wadmore. The world's most accomplished drinker. If it's good enough for him, it should be good enough for you. Amen
anonymous - 27 Jun 2005 17:54 |
Go during the week when its the best pub by miles in the hammersmith area. Transforms in to heaving monstrosity on hot days in the summer and you'd get more joy trying to order a pint from the river thames.
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A fan of this.... by the river, good ale, drinking with my Brother discussing the dynamics of dialectic materialsim..... who could ask for more!
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brilliant pub great food lately new chef?
leo - 27 Sep 2004 18:13 |
London Pride rarely tasted better than at the Blue Anchor. The riverside seating option is perfect when the pub fills up and gets a bit smoky and warm.
If you don't like intelligent conversation, quick repartee or the odd sarcastic twinge, don't approach the bar and talk to the pretty girl working there.
A great place to spend a cosy evening with a good friend or two, rather than a great big excited Saturday-evening crowd.
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Was so-so. Actually improved a lot since that lovely couple from The Isle of Wight started to work there.
Gerard - 24 Sep 2004 09:47 |
Has appeared in Gwynneth Paltrow weepie "Sliding Doors". Good for minor celeb-spotting, if that's your thing. Saw Peter Snow, some bloke off Grange Hill and the chap in the adverts there.
Pleasant when not crowded.
jeremy - 16 Apr 2004 17:38 |
Very decent little boozer by the river. Great for meeting on a Summers day although prepare to be disrupted by the local rowing club going about their business
Good for: a few jars before moving on to watch Argyle lose at QPR
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Probably the best pub on the world.
Certainly the best in Hammersmith and different class to the Rutland.
Toby - 17 Dec 2003 15:21 |
not bad. good spot inside up against the window on barstools or fight for a bench out by the river. wasnt some of 'sliding doors'(gwynnie paltrow) filmed here???
millym - 25 Jul 2003 21:53 |
Absloutely useless service. Plastic glasses at the weekend too. Try The Dove
Gary - 30 Jun 2003 07:16 |
Used in the 80's TV Minder in the end titles. Also a popular pub on the boat race circuit
James Pimentel-Pinto - 2 Aug 2002 10:29 |
