A fine example of how to successfully renovate and reboot a pub, The Thatched House is looking every inch the relaxing neighbourhood gastro it purports to be. And if you’re resident in this part of Hammersmith, it’s yet other good place to eat and drink.

The Venue
The Thatched House is a Young’s pub, a group that has good form for creating this sort of modernised pub/eating house. You just need to cross nearby King Street and navigate your way under the Great West Road to find another very good Young’s pub, the Old Ship, with its scenic views of The Thames. The vistas from this pub aren’t any where as memorable – unless you’re a fan of concrete flats – but, inside, it’s a very nice space with stand-out features like pale green leather arm chairs and natty tiki-esque light features. There’s a more formal dining space to the rear and a garden area for clement days. It’s also close to Ravenscourt Park, should you need a pit-stop after a day out.

The Atmosphere
Locals are already making repeat visits to the pub and there’s a good-natured buzz in the air. As the décor is like a modern update of a rustic pub, it all feels very relaxing and at ease.

The Food
Food is an increasingly big deal for pubs these days. Hammersmith and, indeed, neighbouring Chiswick are hotspots, with The Roebuck and The Dartmouth Castle just two highly rated foodie pubs in the area. The Thatched House is pitching itself at this end of the market and it’s a case of so far so good, as the food is pretty good.

Starters include a substantial pile of fried portobello mushrooms (£7) and pancetta served with warm cherry tomatoes and a delicately poached egg. The runny yolk and earthy mushrooms make a nice combination but the pancetta is very fatty and the inclusion of a warm pile of rocket underneath is unnecessary. Across the table, a warm goat’s cheese and butternut squash salad is very well received.

Steak comes in two cuts – a flat iron and a fillet – although the fillet is prohibitively priced for a pub at a whopping £23. Settle for the cheaper cut and you’ll get a thick hunk cooked to order, and a feisty peppercorn sauce drizzled on top. The meat is a little chewy but, overall, remains enjoyable. Alternatively a cut of duck served on the bone is paired with buttery mash, a huge portion of red cabbage and a tame star anise jus, which makes for solid cold weather grub. To finish, a selection of cheese (£5) includes some really tasty British varieties.

The Drink
Young’s ales, including Young’s Gold, are visible at the bar, but you might also come across the rabbit emblem of Bath ales, signalling that a mild, uncomplicated pint of Gem ale is available. Plenty of bottles of wine are on offer and they start from just over £15. If you like a lot of bang for your buck, the Crystal Brook Shiraz (£18) is an excellent choice that tastes of sticky, jammy ripe fruit with a touch of oaky spice thrown in for good measure.

The Last Word
With so many good places to eat and drink in the area, new ventures have to be quickly up to speed if they want a share of the local pound. Thankfully, The Thatched House not only looks the part, it delivers a very accomplished neighbourhood pub experience and it is one that is likely to prompt you to return.

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