please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
WENT IN THERE THE OTHER DAY BEING LOST IN THE BACK STREETS, TALL GIRL BEHIND BAR GAVE US DIRECTIONS TO WHERE WE WANTED TO GO, HAD SOME CASTLE ROCK SNOWWHITE, GREAT PINT GREAT LITTLE GEM, RECOMENDED
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Anywhere else in the country this would be an ordinary local. In London it's got stripped kitchen tables everywhere and pretentions to being a gastro-pub. Unlike other reviewers I saw no guests on, but asked for Brit Hop. This was on the turn, and at £4.10 a pint I had a lucky escape. Chiswick was cheaper, unremarkable and I don't think I'll be returning.
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I thought I knew & had been to all the Fuller's pubs in Hammersmith, Chiswick & environs, but this one was new to me on Sunday, & is a real find!
Whereas The Thatched House was largely deserted at 12.30pm, The Andover was getting on full by 1pm when my mate & I arrived.
And again, whereas we were actually benignly accosted as we entered The Thatched on the assumption we wanted Sunday lunch, no such attitude prevailed at The Andover, despite most people in fact eating at tables.
We had two decent pints of Bengal Lancer, a good natter, & the atmosphere was really pretty good!
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Backstreet Fullers pub that is very cosy and nicely decorated inside. There are snob screens at the bar. Be careful with the 3 entrance doors. Only the middle one will actually open. I stood waiting for the pub to open at midday. But then realised I was trying the wrong door! Unusually for a Fullers pub, they had 2 guest beers - Adnams Southwold Bitter & Castle Rock Preservation Ale. The Fullers beers were London Pride & Chiswick. Aspalls was the cider. There were no other customers here on my Saturday lunchtime visit. But I enjoyed my swift visit here.
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A VERY GOOD PUB . WELL RUN
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This place is a gem, tucked away on the fringe of Brackenbury Village in Hammersmith it has such a welcoming feel to it. The real ales, usually a good assortment of Fullers output, always seems to be in exceptionally good nick. Food is plentiful, well-cooked and a fair price, not cheap, fair. Unusally for many Fullers pubs this one doesn't feel like a restaurant that happens to sell beer. One of my London top 10. Hurdlers, comment below, will be pleased to know Tom's back from his hols and hasn't, in my presence, mentioned the Rugby World Cup once.
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Whatever people's opinions about Tom, he was decent fellow trying to make this pub work. The beer was good and the atmosphere was relaxed. Sadly good, old fashioned pubs simply don't exist any more. That is mainly a tax issue, not a landlord issue. HOWEVER, I was in last night and there is a new manager. The atmosphere was terrible, there was incredibly loud 'party' music blaring out at top volume and when the new landlord was asked to turn it down he reacted with completely uncalled for aggression. One of my favourite pubs in the area has been ruined. Boycotted till this aggressive and rude man leaves. It's become like every other pub in London. What a tragedy.
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This pub has gone from real ale haven to to rea
Further to my recent comment this place has lost it's way.
The same barman was in there and is totally clueless about beer...
I asked for london pride and he tried to pour me a pint of lager.....
Give me strength.....
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I VISITED THE ANDOVER AGAIN AFTER A COUPLE OF YEARS AWAY AND FOUND SOME THINGS I DID NOT LIKE.
FIRSTLY, THE REFIT INSIDE MAKES IT LOOK LIKE A VEGETARIAN CAFE,AND SECONDLY AND MORE IMPORTANT WHERE THE HELL HAS THE DRAUGHT ESB GONE?
WHEN I ASKED THE BARMAN FOR ESB HE WAS TOTALLY PERPLEXED..
DO YOURSELVES A FAVOUR AND GET THE ESB BACK...
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Time for a reappraisal since the 2009 vandalisation and gastrofication (if there be such words) of the Old Andover. For those of us who remember it pre facelift, then it is true that much of the original character (and fittings!) have been lost forever. However, I believe that traditionalists visiting for the first time will find the bare boards, mismatching wooden furniture and the more �gastro feel� to the place as being not as unpleasant as many pub �modernisations/makeovers�. On the other hand the less traditional pub goers may actually find it to be attractive. However, of prime importance, I am pleased to report that the quality of the ale � London Pride in particular � continues to remain truly excellent.
Previously The Andy was in my Top 10 of favourite London pubs and whilst I could no longer rank it quite that highly, if I forget how it used to be and judge it solely as it now stands, then together with continued excellence of the ale, in my opinion it can still be considered as one of the better boozers in the area (possibly at least making my Top 10 of West London!).
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I have not been back to London W6 for quite some time
I was in four times to The Andover since New Year and these times got alot less P***d than last.( But my god it was great)
Great Vibe...Great Food and the service as always Brilliant. Micheal Jackson would be proud of the survival of a "Just A Graet Pub"( God Rest His Soul)
Well done Mr Landlord and team
James Haricott B
PS Where has All The Flowers Gone .........
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No Axe to Grind
Even though I can't claim to be a regular, I loved the opportunity to vist the pub when it was run by Tom and Moira ,and was intrigued to see the changes.
On my vist tonight, the pub was very busy - a god sign surely? The decor has changed, but it is sympathetic and warm, the staff are friendly and the food (and beer)excellent.
I shall be going back
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Visited on Sunday,beer condition was excellent,also the pies.Decor greatly improved.
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An objective view from someone who only visited the old Andover Arms two or three times.
The last time I visited pre refurb, it was looking rather tired in here. The back room was underutilised and it was pretty gloomy. There were only four people in although it seemed to be picking up by the time I left. Service friendly and beer in good nick.
now...the change doesn't seem to be as dramatic as I was led to believe. The gantried bar is still in place and it still has a homely, back-street atmosphere. They were playing blues on the hi-fi when I arrived but soon a trio of jazz players came out. Not a M.O.R jazz fan myself, but this is 'Brackenbury Village' after all. Plenty of older regulars in place, plus some younger couples. Beer still good, servcie still friendly. Tried a burger which was excellent. (i'd hope so for �9).
I liked the old look and like the new look too. Just one thing I can't remember....did it used to have wood panelling? If so, it's a shame to have removed it.
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Refurb almost completed. Not your typical village local but a pleasant place to imbibe. Chiswick and Pride always on good form when I visit.
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The Crown & Sceptre is getting busier all the time... make the move.
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I see that the discussion is also kicking off on the hammersmithtoday.co.uk forum.
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Oh, I get it. I'm just starting to understand your British sense of irony. Can I join in? GREAT REFURB! VISIONARY LANDLORD! FRESH FOOD! CLEAN TOILETS! Hey, it's fun.
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VERY GOOD PUB
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Real ale. Real food. Real empty.
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This used to be a beautiful old pub, of a type rapidly disappearing in this area thanks to brutal 'refurbs' turning them into bland, boring places looking more like coffee chain cafes (Queen's Head in Brook Green being the classic example). The Andover Arms landlord seems determined to destroy its charm and make it into yet another gastropub/bar (despite the size of the space available making this very difficult - what on earth was the point of the sofas in the space where people go through to the toilets? The chairs and tables fitted perfectly there). Nothing wrong with gastros as such - but the more of them there are, the lower the novelty value, the harder it is to make them stand out from the crowd and the duller they all seem. It is reaching saturation level, especially if the Salutation goes down that route. There is still a place for a decent, traditional pub if it is done properly, with a landlord who isn't desperately trying to impress the trustafarians and bankers of Brackenbury Village. Landlords come and go these days but unfortunately some decide to put their stamp on a place and only succeed in ruining it before leaving. Try the Crown & Sceptre for now.
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The endless tinkering has not created a better pub. For some time the pub has seemed to be lurching, rather than successfully moving, away from the dark old boozer that established its reputation. Whether or not this is progress is an issue of taste. But by taking away the tables, then putting them back, then having sofas, then putting the tables back, all the while watching the burgers go from �7 to �8 to �9 etc smacks of a deliberate drive to drive out the locals and get some sexy Hammersmith types in. Except these people already have about 20 bad bars in W6. And they're the types best worth avoiding by hiding in the Andover! Oh well...
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I have to say, we had a brilliant evening.
Great to see all the old Andover regulars and catch up with some good, good friends. Excellent beer, great couple behind the bar and wonderful company all round. Some weirdos even said the food was ok! We were too busy drinking the fine Fuller's ale and having a great old Andover-style hooley!
That this all of this took place in Crown & Scepre is a bit odd though, don't you think?
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I've gotta say that nothing can really disguise my diappointment over what has happened to this fine little boozer tucked away in the back streets of Hammersmith. It was lovely and quaint the way it used to be so why an earth was it done up to make itself try and look like one of those trendy chain bars in the city? Have Pitcher and Piano taken over or something? I won't be returning back here again in a hurry!
Its happened to so many fine establishments around here and I've heard that the Salutation Arms is now next for one of these homogeneous 'refurbs'.
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Nice to hear from a local footballer. Hope your team are doing well. But, you know.. shut up, idiot.
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I play football nearby and have popped into the Andover a few times over the years (before and after the recent refurb) and have always had a good drink & time there. One of the players who lives locally said something about a lot of flak going back & forward for the pub on this site.
Jesus it�s only a pub! It had, & still has, a great atmosphere, beer & food. Maybe because it�s tucked away in the back streets, a hidden gem etc I don�t know. It does feel different in there now but so what, it�s still a pleasure to visit the place.
For the record my favourite London pubs are/were the Stag�s Head in Camden, the Whittington Cat in Archway and the Oliver in Harrow Road, once voted the worst pub in London by the Evening Standard. All hardly were or are exactly gastro pubs (in fact 2 no longer exist)
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He appears to be back alright judging by the drivel posted this morning.
Rather early by all accounts for the lanlord to be hitting the bottle.
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The landlord is back, by all accounts. Must have missed his beer.
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XXXXX See it to believe XXXXXXX
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wow
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Brill
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Brill
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Pleese. Can some1 hel[p me.........
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Pleese. Can some1 hel[p me.........
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Wyh o Wyh are Peoeple so persanol ??? and So So Crule ???
There will be No metion of D,SS,G.P,RYO,SM,NM,,GL,IS . Et Etc Etc to follow ????his/her personal Chararctor asssssitaaaaciion
I Was in the Andover 7 times in past 5 days. humm. today (Wed). Wall paper, Rugs, etc. who knows what else.. ?????. Interesting but feels..feeling and thoight. ?
Had food twice.. surp not too bad. Starters and Main. Fresh and What I would say @done hat it said on the tin.
Seen ( I think Mr E) on ???? ( Tues Eve) Good sign. Great Tradition Here We Come
I must say The Landlords Lodon Pride is the best around the area
I wait in hope . PS Mr Landlord. Where are all the Pies gone. Please bring them back ???
MMMMMMM
I MUST SAY @ it did feel warmer and More Authenti
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Lovely friendly back street village affect pub. Pop in occationally for lunch while working in the area. Found lunch time menu top noch, good beer on top. Very clean, pleasent, refreshing decor and atmostphere. Can't wait to taste evening menu. Keep doing what your doing.
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I hear they are doing phase 2 of the shoddy refurb today.
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Excellent leter from John Bonser.
Dear Mr Emeny
Re: ANDOVER � Arms (Andy)
I am writing to offer my sincere condolences for the recent passing of Andy as reported in the Daily Telegraph of 25th June 2009.
Andy was a great friend of mine for many years, especially when looked after by his parents, Tom and Moira.
I fear that when his new stepfather arrived on the scene, perhaps he did give Andy rather too much latitude � and let�s face it, Boys will be Boys! But from being the bright and handsome lad he once was, he turned into a former shadow of himself � thin, emaciated and downright ugly. (Incidentally there is a rumour circulating that Andy was in fact murdered by his stepfather and other close relatives).
As I search for a new friend in the Hammersmith area, I only hope I can find one half as good as dear old Andy once was.
I can imagine how devastated you personally must be at losing such a dear friend and I mourn with you.
Will you be attending the funeral personally?
Yours sincerely
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I was away on holiday when the pub was supposed to have passed away. I did receive lots of messages in my absence about the demise of a once great local boozer but last night was the first chance I had to go and look for myself.
The pub was busy and a good percentage of the regulars were there.The atmosphere was good as was the quality of the beer.The decor is awful but I am assured there is still a lot of work to be done. I felt like I was drinking in a railway waiting room of a third world country.
We were told in 1997 by the great and the good 'things can only get better'. They haven't. In the case of The Andover I am prepared to be patient and wait for things to improve. Time will tell but another traditional pub has bit the dust and we will never see the like again in the backstreets of W6.
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No need to apologise Esme, I�m sure the world outside of this interminable �debate� can live with the mysterious disappearance of the video link. It has made me want to visit this pub and see first hand what has caused so much rancour amongst its erstwhile regulars.
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Apologies. The aforementioned video has mysteriously vanished from the Andover Arms website. (The more intrepid can still view it). And all within the last 24 hours. However, the 'video' bit has been replaced by a 'blog' bit which shows in detail how the interior was violated. It's interesting stuff. According to a local surveyor, much of what these pictures depict is 'idiotically illegal'. Expect this section of the website to vanish all too soon.
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As Prince so memorably put it, 'This is what it sounds like, when pubs die'.
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Did anyone read the Daily Telegarph on 25th June. One of the obits read as follows..
ANDOVER - Arms (Andy). Died after a brief but valiant struggle on Friday 19th June 2009. Will be missed by all loyal friends and family. Letters of condolence should be addressed to Simon Emeny, Managing Director, Fullers Inns, Chiswick Lane South, London, W4 2QB
RIP
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Unless, of course, that word is 'mendacious'.
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May I guide those who like to sup from the cup of bitter irony towards the video section of the pub's own website - andoverarms.co.uk. Laugh? I nearly ransacked a Victorian hostelry!
And they say a man is only as good as his word.
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I was shocked to see my favourite pub has received the cliched gastro treatment. I walked across the stark bare wooden floor in shock, sat on one of the hard wooden chairs, and stared at the sterile walls listening to the echo around me. It was too much to bear so I left without bothering to have a drink. Seems almost every pub in this area offers the exact same experience so turning this former great pub into a gastro is quite disappointing. This is a real shame. I need a new local. Are there any pubs in this area that offer comfortable seating in a relaxed friendly community environment? Looking at the recommendations at the top of this page most seem to be gastro pubs.
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Oh dear, oh dear, as previous posters have correctly pointed out, one of the finest pubs of its genre in this part of West London has unfortunately fallen victim to the Changing Rooms brigade.
My earliest recollection of visiting this pub was in 2001, when doing the Fullers Passport Pub Tour and, being very impressed with the cosy and comfortable traditional atmosphere, I made a point of returning every few months or so until recently.
In those days, the pub had a well regarded sub-contracted Thai food operation. I've never been a big fan of old fashioned side street pubs like this going down the Thai food route, but it did at least allow Tom and Moyra, the friendly and welcoming Irish couple who ran the pub until 18 months or so ago, to concentrate on what they were good at - beer and conversation.
The pub was warm and welcoming in those days - at a time when identikit clone pubs were extending their tentacles across London in a menacing way, the Andover Arms was a welcome refuge for the more discerning and demanding pub-goer.
What did I find on my quick drop in early yesterday evening?. Well, the interior has largely bee wrecked. We now have what I often refer to as a "3C interior" - cold, clinical and charmless. The wooden floors, seats and absence of soft furnishings mean that you've got that horrible echoey feel where you can hear virtually every conversation in the pub apart from that at your own table. Gone is that villagey, neighbourhood pub feel to be replaced by the type of place more suited to say, Islington or Clerkenwell.
The mahogany bar, gantry and snob screens have been retained, but the curtained partition between the 2 bars has been knocked through. The Fullers mirror and period prints have gone and the walls are now alarmingly bare and stark.
I'm not Alan Sugar or one of The Dragons, but I really do wonder if this wooden floor, gastro pub concept hasn't been overdone to death already in this corner of W6. Saturation point must come soon, if it hasn't already.
On the drinks front, London Pride has increased from � 2.90p to � 3.10p. ( well somebody has to pay for the "improvements"!). In fairness, I ought to add that my pint was in good nick and its still cheaper than in several Fullers tenanted pubs in Brentford.
Well, there you have it - an honest, well considered assessment from one of BITE's most regular and frequent contributors - and without the need to resort to abuse, not to USE CAPITAL LETTERS THROUGHOUT and tell people to get a life and how old I am ( what's that all about, Carolyn ?).
In conclusion, I feel very sorry for those regulars whose gem of a local this once was.
I've paid my last visit to this pub, I'm afraid
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Calm down. We have former regulars complaining about a large part of their lives being changed without their consultation, despite all of the money they have sent Fullers, and to a lesser degree (on account of his relatively short tenure), Tom G's way.
We have former regulars of Tom's former establishment (the thatched house), waxing, presumably at his behest or because of the deep joy of a mini Thatch. Good for them, but it wont make the pubsters change their mind, and frankly, do former andover regulars give a monkey's what these people think ?
I wish him well. I would have preferred if he turned a rubbish pub into a nice bar rather than turn a great pub into an average bar, but it's his business, his decision and in terms of my money, his loss.
My advice to everyone who has been taken as stupid, and called pathetic, a bully or the mafia is to move on and find somewhere else to drink.
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What on Earth is this "witchhunt" nonsense? I have been on this site for a few years, using it to find decent London pubs and leaving reviews for others to do the same.
The Andover Arms used to be one of the best pubs in West London. Now it very much isn't. As RBKData noticed, if there's a hidden agenda going on here check out the posting histories of some of these recent posters before you decide whose contribution is biased.
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I went to the andover at the weekend. I also received a text from Tom calling people who complained 'pathetic' and 'the mafia'.
He has ruined the Andover Arms. It should now be renamed the pitcher and anvil or something.
What a joke.
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Sorry but you got that one wrong, I was not looking for a "squable" just sticking up for the "little fellow" I am not Mr Gavighan as you sugest I just don't like bullies, you seem more interested in villifying the landlord than making a case for or against the pub itself. ( you have only reviewed one other pub, this was also in the negative)
I do not live in the area but work there often and have drank in the Andover on many occasions, before and after the refurb, my opinion is my own and given without influence of commitee or inquisition, I wonder if you can claim the same. Perhaps your not so Cleaver Esme
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I have just returned from The Andover having had a Sunday Lunch.9 out of 10 as far as I am concerned ( maybe a few more Roast Potatoes).There was about 18/20 eating a few enjoying a beer or 3. Totally enjoyable. Very nice Sun Flowers by the way. Beer ( London Pride) was on top form. I don't know what all the fuss is about. They'll get there. Best of luck.
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It is futile to squabble about this matter on such a good-natured pub guide website. All complaints should be lodged with Simon Emeny, Managing Director, Fuller's Inns, Chiswick Lane South, London, W4 2QB. The current licensee's name is Tom Gavaghan - or 'head' as he seems to prefer.
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Granted I have just signed up to make comment although I have used the site for years and discovered many interesting pubs as a result, I have never witnessed this bullying attitude before in any of the reviews, it is a blatant witch hunt, and as such is a misuse of a public service.
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One other interesting statistic. The three pro Refurb BITE members seem to have recently become BITE members (this week). Additionally the only pub that they have reviewed is the Andover Arms. Of the Seven anti Refurb BITE members only one has exclusively rated the Andover Arms. The majority have are long time members with multiple pub reviews.
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Right. Current count 3 BITE users for the new refurb 7 BITE users against. A trend perhaps?
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I find it hard to read the comments posted by a small group of what can only be children who have had their ball taken from them. These are not reviews they are personal attacks on the landlord who has dared to change a pub that would have dissapeared without trace if it did not get a re-vamp. I don't think it is the landlord who was drunk. The purpose of this site is to inform people as to the quality of an establishment not to vent spleen. For the record, most of us are aware that growing tall is not a personal achievement and the clothing a man wears or the way he grooms his hair does not influence his ability to do his job properly. If we were all to use this attitude in life I might be forced to think that the gentleman who is in danger of being sued for defamation of character is sitting in his bedsit enjoying a meal for one, I however would not sink to this kind of stereotyping.
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HOW STRANGE people ARE BRAVE TO LEAVE NASTY AND INSULTING COMMENTS
BUT NOTICE HOW HOW ARE NOT BRAVE ENOUGH TO LEAVE THIER REAL NAMES.
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It is an absolute disgrace what has happened to this place. The best pub in the area now looks (and sounds, what with the horrible echoey emptiness of the place) like all the other awful gastropubs in the area.
R.I.P. The Andover Arms. A great shame.
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I have frequented this pub for over 7 years. The comments by 4 or 5 people below are purely pathetic, simply sad and some what no where near the mark. They kind of read as though these boys were/are in bed together.Girls get a life and stop the sad comments.
The Andover looks and feels great and am sure there is work in progress. I agree with the comments by Head below. If its a museum you want get to Knightsbridge.I am sure there are a few Indian restaurents near by also. Thank God life moves on.
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PEOPLE DO NOT LIKE CHANGE IN ANY SHAPE OR FORM, BUT THIS IS ONE THAT WAS WELL OVERDUE, I WOULD NOT USE THE PUB IN THE PAST BECAUSE IT WAS DOWDY DARK AND VERY LITTLE ROOM TO MOVE AROUND, WITH THE OLD TRADITIONALS JUST WATCHING THE FOOTBALL, TOM AND ASKA TOOK OVER AND INTRODUCED CHANGE VERY SLOWLY, NOW THE BIG CHANGE HAS COME IT IS MUCH BRIGHTER BIGGER AND AND SOFT BACK GROUND MUSIC, NASTY INSULTING COMMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FROM THE OLD REGULARS BUT EVERY THING IN LIFE CHANGES EVEN US OR MAYBE THEY ARE JUST TOO OLD TO REMEMBER BEING YOUNG.TO ALL THE NASTY COMMENTATORS GET A LIFE I MAY BE 60 BUT AT LEAST I AM YOUNG AT HEART.
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A brief update from a friend in Hammersmith;
"Visited the refubished (or should that be re-rubbished?) Andover and enquired, with what must have been visible alarm, what had happened. I was told by a small, rather arrogant man wearing an even smaller man's 1980s shirt that the 'old girl needed updating'. Although he claimed to be the landlord, he appeared to be drunk (although if he is suffering from some condition then I apologise unreservedly, I don't know the little fellow personally). However, I managed to ask this interiors colosus if such a radicial redesign was actually legal and had been red-lighted by the brewery - or indeed the town hall. He began machine-gunning me with nonsense about 'running a modern, cutting-edge business. So I left. That he was wearing hair gel said it all really."
Sigh.
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It is interesting to note that in the 1960s people complained bitterly about the laying of carpets over floorboards and the removal of traditional pub furniture in favour of upholstered foam benches and fancy curtains. The stripping back of the Andover to a simple colour scheme and the addition of real tavern furniture gives it a much more authentic look in keeping with the character of the building. It is bound to have it's critics but I for one think it looks great and once it has worn into itself it will mature very nicely. I love a good pint as much as the next man but if the small local pubs can't draw in sufficient revenue they will be forced into closure, food is becoming the savior of the backstreet pub. So in my humble opinion if you want a well kept pint of pride in a pub that looks like it did 150 years ago visit the Andover, if you want velvet seats and paisley carpet go to a 1970's Indian resteraunt. Give the bloke a chance to make a living.
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Oh Well. A pity that a pub so fine and so appropriate has been raped of its character and charm. A gastropub in a pub with a kitchen smaller than most maisonettes? Absurd. Been four times since the "Doing up" All during mealtimes. I have seen four meals go out. Total.... The chef's presentation of the food leaves much to be desired. A full fish sitting upright and coiled around the plate like a snake? A hamburger with a cucumber placed on it as a garnish? Come on. Oh PS. The do up coincided with the landlord's quarterly 4 week disappearing act. He has not been around to hear the long time regulars point out to him the error of his ways. I rated this pub a 10 when it was run by Tom and Mora. I downgraded to a 7 when the new landloard took it over and started playing music and generally allowed the interior to degrade. I downgrade again. Beer is still kept ok but no more charm. I have no desire to hang around more than one or two pints to catch up with friends now. Searching for a new local around. Not much to choose from.
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Michael Jackson (not that one but the lovely,legendary Beer Hunter) must be spinning in his grave. These hooligans have disrespected a wonderful man by wrecking his beloved local. We, his American friends and former Andover 'regulars', are hurting on his behalf. Shame on you, the Fuller family, shame on you.
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R.I.P.
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Absolutely agree with the latest comments. The changes (out with carpets and comfortable seating and in with "trendy" wooden floors, seats etc) have completely ruined the character of the place..
Does ANYONE - including Fullers and the landlord - think that this is in anyway an improvement to what was until very recently a fine traditional local pub?
Goodbye Andover, I'm off to seek pastures new!!
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Couldn�t agree more with the comments of Shinty99. An absolute disgrace that this once fine neighbourhood pub was ripped apart to become another bland pseudo gastro pub.
The landlord clearly wants rid of us regulars.
What on earth is Mr Emeny and Co at Fullers thinking of? Surely they could have stopped the landlord losing the run of himself.
Another soon to be ex-regular.
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My first thoughts of the refurbishment are that the character and charm of the Andover has been removed. It reminds me of so many other gastro-clone pubs that are not so memorable after the novelty has worn off.
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Although I've lived in Hammersmith (and, unbeknownst to me, very near to this pub) for 7 years, I have been using a place called The Grove which is more of a 'bar' really and not really my bag. I struggled valiantly (and ridiculously) on until looking at BeerintheEvening for ideas and happened on this delightful place. It's like a village pub but without the village which strikes me as being perfect. The atmosphere is relaxed and not at all 'shouty' as so many Hammersmith boozers are. Thoroughly recommended and 10 from me because I know it will be my regular of choice until I pass onto the great boozer in the sky.
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Under Tom's stewardship never a dull moment.Ale fine.Bateman's XB appeared as a guest beer this week.Didn't stay in the cask very long.Beerfest April 24th-26th.Come and enjoy.
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The pub is not closed and never was. The kitchen was closed for refurbishment for about a week in January but is now open again.
The beer is still on top form and the food is good.
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Sadly, the pub is currently closed (as of 15 Jan '08).
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I have always liked this pub. the Ale is always in great condition. I went in last on Christmas Day and it was a wonderful atmosphere. Will be in again soon..
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The Andover Arms was the favorite pub of Michael Jackson, the Beer Hunter. We understand why. Real ales and generous portions of well prepared food. Try the roast beef sandwich. It's big enough to share. Our visit was on 6 January 2009.
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good traditional pub.
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London Porter on terrific still a great beer pub. Heating a tad over done.
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Best pint since last landlord. Back to its best charming quiet pub where one can relax.
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I visit this pub regularly. The Fullers beers are all excellent - they serve Chiswick, Pride and ESB on draught with an occassional Fullers special like the mighty IPA recently.
The food is now traditional (although including a fine Chilli Nachos !), but good quality and well priced.
A recent addition is mini pies in a variety of fillings (and a sausage roll) available all day (12-11:30) for �1.70 - a great accompaniement to a few pints.
The new cheesey motto from the management 'Real Ale, Real Pies, Real Pub' is very accurate and if you enjoy things as they should be you should visit the Andy.
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Went there just before Christmas and 3 of the real ales were off. Also found out they were not doing Thai food anymore which will hit their evening trade.
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Went there just before Christmas and 3 of the real ales were off. Also found out they were not doing Thai food anymore which will hit their evening trade.
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Pub is unchanged internally, but you need to be aware that the Thai food people have gone.
Now serving British food - but at prices that reflect the affluence of the area
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The end of an era! Tom and Maura, who have run the pub for about 14 years, are retiring today. Good luck, you will be missed.
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This is a wonderful local. Fantastically well looked after Beer - local atmosphere, friendly folk. Even the thai food (which is excellent) fits in well.
10/10
anonymous - 1 Oct 2007 15:08 |
Only three people in there at around 1.45 PM on a Friday - and one of them was the barman. I guess I just hit the dead time - a few more people would have lent it some welcome atmosphere. But this is definitely my kind of pub - the unpretentious backstreet boozer. The ESB was top notch and I was sorry that I did not have the time to stay for one or two more pints. In my view worth seeking out.
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This is a difficult pub to review - on the one hand it hasn't succumbed to some awful brewery renovations, and as a result it has retained something. However, I don't feel it is a pub with a lot of innate charm. I have a drinking buddy who rates this place very highly, but personally I think that's it is just an ordinary local boozer. Additionally, whilst the thai food seems very popular, I'm not sure it fits in with the general characteristics of the place. I imagine if you live locally you could come to love this place, but I don't thinks it's worth making a special effort to visit.
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An excellent pub, well worth the effort of finding it. Spotlessly clean, well looked after and serving well kept Fullers beer.
Floyd - 19 Jul 2007 09:28 |
Tucked away in a maze of residential streets, this traditional pub has a real 'local' atmosphere that comes as something of a surprise in this affluent area. Excellent Fullers beers, as one would expect. Well worth seeking out.
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They had a festival in October 06 which was excellent.
They have just had another which was sxcellent .
What a little gem.
anonymous - 14 Mar 2007 20:33 |
Has London Porter on draught at present - and very moreish it is too. Note that there is a beer festival on between 9 - 11 March
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This is a proper pub with wonderful proprieters. The way a pub should be. Friendly staff and locals. A pub cat that owns the place. Beer is kept well as the landlord is a master cellarman. Don't miss this gem
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Really enjoyable and unpretentious pub. Above average Fullers (inc. Chiswick) and a decent Pad Thai. Decent prices as well, and a good crowd in there.
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In my view probably the best "proper pub" in London, plus the beer is always in first rate condiiton
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Held an excellent Beer Festival last week .To be congratulated
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Blimey !! A real old fashioned pub. I think it helps it's not on the main road. You have to search this one out.
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You wont be disappointed in this Fullers/Thai combination pub off the main road.
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I agree, a real pub (bar the thai food on offer-which is excellent nonetheless)proper local with regulars and patterned carpets, an endangered species.
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A real pub with real ale and real people. Also, the beer is well kept and completely recognisable.
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Very attractive, beautifully decorated traditional pub boasting a lovely cat called Thomas and very friendly bar staff. Unfortunately though, on my first visit the Fullers ales - both ESB and Pride - were so badly kept as to be unrecognisable.
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Lovely traditional local pub. I can now find it without the A-Z, shows how much I like it. Minor gripe - should the London Pride be �2.65 a pint, when its only � 2.35 in The Salutation on nearby King Street ? It's nonsense for a tenanted pub to have to charge 30p more. Have Fullers put the rent up again at the Andover Arms, I wonder ?
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An excellent pub. Some of the best kept Fuller's you can drink. The Chiswick is especially good at the moment. No music. Good reasonably priced Thai food. They always have the seasonal ales too.
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Nice friendly traditional local of a kind that seems sadly rare nowadays. London Pride on good form - but expensive ( this is a tenanted pub, I think )
I like Thai food, but a proper traditional pub like this should do proper traditional food
John - 3 Nov 2004 10:50 |
This is a truly great pub with a wonderful atmosphere, unspoilt and definitely not themed. Tom and Moira are the archetypal landlord couple serving their regulars and casuals with equal ease. The beer is superb as is the Thai food which is simple but very tasty. Don't tell too many people about the place as it is fine just the way it is!
Berg - 15 May 2004 18:36 |
Great Thai food, nice wine, beer is good too, Tom and Moira (the landlord & landlady) are really sweet, and the pub quizz on Sunday nights is great fun. A nice local pub without fuss.
Yolaine Bech - 19 Apr 2004 15:30 |
Excellent Thai food, always consistent and not a bad wine list.
Libby - 19 Feb 2004 16:11 |
Nice friendly neighbourhood local with loose attitude towards drinking up time. Good, well-kept Fullers. Excellent Thai food. Many Thatched House regulars changed allegiance to the Andover after Bedford Jezzard left the Thatch in the mid-80s. - cc
Chris C - 15 Jan 2004 16:49 |
great local with very friendly regulars
andy - 10 Dec 2003 15:52 |
Part Thai restaurant, excellent for a plateful and a pint.
Neil - 24 Sep 2003 14:18 |
This is a superbly traditional Fuller's pub in Hammersmith Village which is quite a nice setting. Whilst "Kev" enjoyed his London Pride on 05/08/2003, I have to add that the Chiswick and ESB have always been in top condition during my visits, and also the Thai menu is excellent. This pub has a warm homely atmosphere afforded by a friendly landlord & landlady, and the pub is definitely worth a visit. It is amongst the best Fuller's pubs I have had the pleasure to drink in.
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this is a great local with fantastic London Pride
kev - 5 Aug 2003 13:13 |
This is a real local in an area most of whose pubs are either upmarket (e.g. the Anglesea Arms) or gone (e.g. the Duke of York). Part of the reason for this may be it seems to have a landlord and landlady rather than a 'manager'.
Chris - 2 Jul 2003 13:19 |
friendly back street local with Fullers ales consistently well kept.
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