The Grove, Ealing

Now called The Grove, this is definitely the most improved pub in Ealing for a long time. Better decor, better wine/cider/beer selection, better seating and use of space, an overall nice atmosphere, all of which were previously lacking.

Only downside & criticism is no more live music, which is scarse now is Ealing pubs and when it's busy, expect a long wait at the bar (which for me, has only ever happened on a Thursday evening!)

12 Apr 2011 17:46

The Townhouse, Ealing

This has been closed for at least 2-3 years! Someone must want to buy the property?!! Becoming an eyesore and waste of space, shame as it's probably a listed building.

Would make a great Wetherspoons but there is already one of those recently-ish opened over the road.

12 Apr 2011 17:24

Rutland Arms, Hammersmith

The dining room decor is really great - you wouldn't think there was a noraml pub downstairs. The velvet chairs and chandaliers are classy and not tacky.

However, the food does not match the surroundings. We went to 'test' the food out for my up and coming summer birthday as the setting is so nice. We were expecting it to be gastro pub style but the food was not any different to your standard pub fare.

There was only one vegetarian choice on the starters and on the mains. (Though to be fair, when I spoke to the manager a few weeks earlier, he had said if we let him know in advance, for my birthday, as 4 out of 6 of us would be vegetarian, they could put more choices on). As I didn't like the starter, I went without and had a gorgeous chocolate orange cheesecake for dessert, which made up for it a little.

I would agree with the earlier comment about food not matching the menu's descriptions. My pasta was supposed to come with spinach, peppers and mushrooms but had just peppers and onions. It did taste quite good and different though my boyfriends steak was a bit grisly.

We did not drink in the actual pub but it looks clean and new but I think the mahogony painted walls darken what is essentially a summer venue.

5 Jun 2008 18:33