Rutland Arms, Hammersmith

Late March 08

Now re-opened after refurb. Pity - as so often - that they spend so much money creating a replica of an older-style building, replacing so much of what was taken out only a few years ago.

Since it re-opened mid March I've been back once. Not again as things are. Music (background music - ha ha) so loud that talk was difficult though not impossible. Meanwhile the Dove, 200 yards away, has no music and just lets you talk easily.

22 Mar 2008 00:19

The Blue Anchor, Hammersmith

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

22 Mar 2008 00:12