On a posh residential street in Hammersmith, the Anglesea Arms has previously been lauded by The Sunday Times newspaper as one of the top ten gastropubs in the country. One bold claim, and one very much open to debate, but what it does offer is good food, decent ales, a great selection of wines by the glass and snug surroundings.

The Venue
Hammersmith isn’t short of good pubs, but the Anglesea Arms is definitely worth seeking out as it has a whole lot of charm and character packed into its wooden-panelled walls. It’s tucked down a sleepy street off Goldhawk Road and inside it first chimes as a traditional pub with its dark wooden walls, minimal natural light and sturdy bar that oversees the entire room, a space packed full of worn-in leather sofas, rickety wooden chairs and numerous chalkboards promoting special dishes and seasonal drinks. Further in, however, there’s a lighter, more modern dining room which is only open for lunch or dinner.

The Atmosphere
Big Range Rovers sit outside waiting for their owners, gaggles of plummy voiced ladies of a certain age gather for afternoon drinks and even the younger couples in attendance are very middle-class: it’s a world away from the concrete jungle around Hammersmith Broadway. Those who eat or drink regularly the area may recognise the deferential tones of one of the barmen who used to work down the road at one of the area’s other very good food pubs, the Dartmouth Castle.

The Food
Arrive hungry during the middle of the afternoon and you’ll only be able to order from a bar snacks menu (they serve a full menu at lunch and dinner). This isn’t too be sniffed at though as you can tuck into a heavily stacked croque monsieur (around £5) with blistered mature cheddar and loads of Worcestershire sauce giving it a lovely tang, or a quiche of the day (around £6-£7) which mixes loads of crisp, fresh vegetables with a cheesy filling and flaky pastry. They'll even knock up a leafy green salad to go with it. Prawns in half-pint glasses and cheese selections from Neal’s Yard pad out the options. The dining room offers more adventurous seafood and meat dishes, with a very popular Sunday roast a firm favourite with locals.

The Drink
A very well-kept pint of Ringwood Fortyniner shows they obviously care about their ale selection, and the blackboards around the bar are peppered with other tipples - seasonal varieties like mulled wine and hot toddies, and the wine list. The wines by the glass are of particular note and the bar staff may even let you sample a couple of snifters before deciding which one you fancy.

The Last Word
A lovely pub to while away an entire afternoon, the Anglesea Arms is all the better for its off-the-beaten-track location, and its commitment to good food and drink is highly commendable. Recommended.

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