360 Wandsworth Bridge Road,
Fulham,
London,
SW6 2TZ
(020) 7610 9816
The ViewLondon Review
A well-presented local with great food and a relaxed vibe, The Hurlingham is worth going a little out of your way for.
The Venue
Perched on a corner on the Fulham side of Wandsworth Bridge, The Hurlingham somewhat awkwardly straddles the closest convenient transport links (Parsons Green and Wandsworth Town). It’s well worth the extra walk or bus ride to get there though, and you’ll probably look to settle in for the night to enjoy the gastro-quality food and endearing atmosphere. Inside, the cosy dining room has an eclectic collection of tables in different heights and sizes, set on a stylishly scruffy tartan rug amidst bookshelves crammed with a haphazard assortment of well-loved books, magazines and Scrabble boards. Elegant wooden benches grace the pavement out front, while out the back is a great little courtyard, complete with second-hand sofas that are ideal for sinking into with a pint to watch the action on the fussball table.
The Atmosphere
The sleek pink and grey façade of The Hurlingham and its lively pub atmosphere is trendy enough to attract stylish drinkers and diners, while also being comfortable and casual enough to appeal to families and older drinkers looking for a quiet pint and a good chat. Weekly events like wine evenings, quiz nights, half-price burger night and live music on Fridays attract happy punters, and there’s a TV for sports fans with all the big games (although it’s easy to sit in a different area if you want to avoid the cheering). Pooch-lovers can bring their dogs along too.
The Food
A good pub is often best judged on how well they do their British menu staples and the standard of The Hurlingham burgers, roasts and fish cakes (seemingly a must on most pub menus these days) is high. The smoked haddock fishcakes are beautifully smooth and creamy on the inside, coated in a perfect crispy breadcrumb with a tzatziki-style yogurt on the side (a steal at £4.95). Another starter of plump, vibrant tiger prawns (at £5.95) come shell-on, doused in a delicious garlicky, buttery sauce. Save room for the mains, as a half shoulder of lamb, served with caramelised prunes and toasted almonds (£13.95), is very special - with succulent and juicy meat that falls of the bone, perfectly complemented with the crunch of the almonds and the sweetness of the prunes. Other dishes include the top-notch, enormous Hurley burger, served with bacon and chunky chips, and popular Sunday roasts.
The Drink
The wine list offers a wide range of drops and is uniquely priced in groups (from some nice house options up to some finer wines). Bottles start around the £13 mark (on Wednesday wine night you can grab a bargain). There is a wide range of real ale and lager (both bottled and on tap) and you’ll see the usual suspects (Heineken, Foster’s, Staropramen, Kronenbourg and more). A surprisingly lengthy cocktail list with concoctions on offer around the £6.50 mark offers a decent, zingy mojito amongst other classics.
The Last Word
Stylish yet comfortable, the Hurlingham serves up good food and drink in aesthetically pleasing surroundings.
The Hurlingham has been reviewed by 2 users