Sandwiched between the Great West Road and The Thames, The Black Lion is a decent food-serving pub that’s got plenty going on and a huge outdoor area for balmy days.

The Venue
This is a lovely, tranquil, village-like part of Hammersmith that runs right along the banks of The Thames, and it’s a stretch that’s particularly popular with joggers, tourists and families alike. With several other pubs en route towards Fulham, The Black Lion has plenty of competition but holds its own, especially in warmer months, largely due to its expansive outdoor area. Inside it’s a rustic, old school pub with low ceilings and creaky wooden fixtures and fittings; outside its has communal benches, both in the glare of the sun and under the shade of trees. There's also a French restaurant called L'Auberge which has been bolted on to a shack-like building in the Black Lion's garden but this seems completely incongruous.

The Atmosphere
Affluent locals – Max Clifford is one but you’re more likely to see him walking his dog than at the bar here – mix with day-trippers and multi-lingual tourists. Funnily enough for such a chilled-out pub, they host the odd Silent Disco club event. Staff are good natured and helpful, if a little over-stretched and occasionally scatty during busy times.

The Food
Sausage and mash, fish and chips, Sunday roasts, plus some veggie options like an asparagus risotto are available. The quality on offer is perfectly acceptable without ever being truly memorable. Fish and chips (around £9), for example, is more than adequate and plentiful in proportion but plenty of other places nearby can knock out the same standard.

The Drink
3 ales – Doombar, Adnams Broadside and Bombadier – are joined by a regularly rotated guest. Heineken and Kronenbourg are the highlights for lager swillers, and big bottles of Magners poured over ice are another firm favourite with locals.

The Last Word
A fine pub in a smashing location, the Black Lion scores big time for its idyllic setting but is less memorable for its food. It’s still very much a good spot for lazy afternoons sinking a few pints with friends.

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