This Michelin recommended gastropub delivers an excellent array of modern British classics in the heart of South West London.

The Venue
The Bollo is located in Chiswick on Bollo Lane within touching distance of the leafy surroundings of Chiswick Park and a short walk to London overground services at Gunnersbury. Inside, the interior is light and airy and a reminder of how far the modern British pub has come. Lots of strong and robust wooden tables and chairs coupled with plush seating featuring deep leather brown banquettes and wooden panelling have brought this listed building right up to scratch.

The Atmosphere
You will see several types of people grace this pub. From the local Chiswick man or woman with a keen eye on classic British cuisine to the trendy twenty or thirtysomething who is flying high in their career and knows a good gastropub when they see one. There’s a relaxed feel to The Bollo, and with staff almost matching that laid back ambiance it’s certainly as cosy as snuggling up on a sofa and watching a DVD. There are also events, including deals where main courses are half price. You would be crazy to miss out and you can go for gold when The Bollo hosts quiz nights.

The Food
For starters, sample the soup of roasted butternut with sweet potato chips. This is a real winter warmer and gets right to the heart of things with no messing around. The salad of goat cheese and pomegranate comes with pine nuts and a sharp balsamic vinaigrette. The cheese is perfectly melted whilst the pomegranate seeds adds an extra texture to this uncomplicated dish.

For mains, sample the Seabass with Jersey Royals and steamed asparagus, which is beautifully cooked and shows a real appreciation of this delicate of fish. The asparagus is well seasoned and the potatoes are flavoursome and the right side of waxy that a Jersey Royal should be. Meanwhile, the rack of Elwy Valley lamb comes with crushed potatoes, courgettes, roasted garlic and thyme. This Welsh lamb is spanking fresh with the potatoes adding an excellent texture to the dish. The garlic and thyme infuse into the lamb to provide a potent and intense taste.

To round things off, try the apple crumble, which is rich with smooth buttery pastry that melts in the mouth. The cheeseboard is a sound choice with favourites including creamy stilton.

The Drink
With traditional ales from Greene and King, The Bollo can certainly cater to any traditionalist. With a wine list boasting over 15 reds and whites, sample the delicate aromas of a white Italian Pinot Bianco, 2003 and a South African Semillon Sauvignon with lime like characteristics. There are also some fruity Chardonnays and Viogniers from France that will have your tastebuds dancing like Ginger Rogers. On the red front, try the New Zealand Pinot Noir 2004 from Hawkes Bay with its intense bouquet. Alternatively, there’s the Fleurie Beaujolais from France 2005, with a delicate cuvee full of finesse and suave in texture with hints of iris flowers, violet and rose. The Californian Merlot Los Osos 2002 from California is quite dry with a deep red appearance.

The Last Word
This smart venue comes recommended to anyone whose looking for well prepared dishes cooked simply with an authentic laid back atmosphere that’s enjoyed by young and old.

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