Old Suffolk Punch is not the kind of place to blow you away on account of its edginess, instead it’s a decent pub with a touch of modernity providing a relaxed night out in Hammersmith.

The Venue
More modern than many pubs, Old Suffolk Punch isn’t totally detached from tradition. The decor is welcoming with a fashionable edge courtesy of the stripy cushions and upholstery. The wide floral curtains and working fireplace deliver a cosy feeling of intimacy and the couches provide comfort. A few game machines and large screens for sport complete the picture. Towards the back, past the pub area, there is a dining section, which is a bit more serious than the rest. There is also a small outdoor patio looking towards the park.

The Atmosphere
Happy, busy and bursting with life, you are likely to find Old Suffolk Punch fairly crowded even on the quietest nights. Expect small groups of thirtysomething locals who appreciate the friendly service and lively, unpretentious atmosphere. The pub looks rather nice and the food is good and fairly priced - facts that definitely keep the stools occupied.

The Food
Charged with Green King wherever possible, the menu presents good pub grub with a few tasty foreign contributions, such as traditional baked lasagna, chicken makhani curry or tomato, mascarpone and basil risotto. Within the mains (£6.25-£10), ingredients are given great importance such as Yorkshire Gold Cumberland sausage and mash made with British farm-assured free range sausages and IPA spiced onion gravy.

There are also plenty of other options like the sandwiches (£4.15-£6.15), including chicken and stuffing with cranberry mayonnaise; the delicious cheese boards (£6-£8); and the deluxe burger menu (£6-£7) listing no less than a dozen different burgers including Aberdeen Angus beef topped with anything possible - from Camembert to peri peri sauce. Also be sure to try the desserts, such as the unusual Garibaldi biscuit and egg custard creme brulee with raspberry coulis and vanilla ice cream.

The Drink
Essentially an ale pub, Old Suffolk Punch still provides a decent wine list: whites are classified as fresh, clean and crisp, ripe, or aromatic and fruity, whilst reds are grouped as light, fruity and juicy, soft, velvety and smooth, or bold, rich and spicy. The prices are quite low, with bottles in the honest £10.50-£16 range and small and large glasses prices at £2.70-£3.90 and £3.70-£5.50 respectively. The bubbly is also quite affordable with bottles starting at just £16.

There aren’t as many ales as you’d imagine, with the obvious Green King IPA flanked by Abbot and Old Speckled Hen. On draught the highlight is Peroni, available bottled alongside Corona and others. Prices are fairly average at around £3.

The Last Word
With its excellent food – especially the burger menu - even if you are not hungry, Old Suffolk Punch is easy to appreciate. If you are in the area, you should give it a try.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (3)