The Spencer Arms is one of many gastropubs fighting for survival in London’s deluge of pub grub. However, it certainly seems to be coming out on top with locals who come to enjoy a cosy pint and decent meal.

The Venue
The Spencer Arms is a fair old schlep down Lower Richmond Road, away from Putney. However, for the walk you do get beautiful views over Barnes Common and also work off all those calories you’ll be consuming in the pub (as if you care). The pub itself sits on a corner and is a very inviting sight. Inside, there’s a brightly lit bar and open plan restaurant, as well as a friendly welcome. The bar is in the centre of the pub, with tables of different sizes dotted around. There is a much coveted window seat next to the roaring open fire (nothing says “cosy gastropub” like an open fire!) as well as some nice alcoves to snuggle up in. The decor is rustic yet modern, with a shabby sofa and over-stuffed booths, alongside large, heavy wooden tables and bar stools.

The Atmosphere
The Spencer Arms is extremely welcoming. Regulars and bar staff alike are always happy to see you and are friendly. The staff are attentive without being annoying meaning you’re left alone to eat without constant interruptions. The atmosphere is conducive to a great first date or a meal with old friends. The atmosphere is not manufactured and there’s no music playing, meaning you can just soak up the good vibe and actually hear your company’s chat without having to lean forward or look blankly at them throughout the night. The clientele are a mixture of an older set in for a quiet night, young people on dates and friends meeting up: pretty standard for a decent pub.

The Food
The menu here changes daily depending on what’s fresh, in season and available on the day. You can expect to find a mixture of fish dishes and traditional English food. The mussels with garlic to start are excellent, particularly when they are in season. The waiting staff are well versed in where all the produce is from (the mussels are from the River Ex), so don’t be afraid to ask questions: it’s all part of the experience! The mussels are not overpowered by the creamy garlic sauce and portion is very generous indeed.

For the main course, there is a small but interesting menu including toad in the hole and “spider steak” with garlic butter and chips. The steak is delicious and doesn’t fall victim to the tough, chewy texture that is so familiar with steaks in the UK. The garlic butter is extremely strong but the perfect accompaniment to the earthy taste of the beef. And for once, a pub gets chips right: chunky yet crisp on the outside. Why can’t all pubs get this right?

Desserts include some gorgeous poached pears with vanilla ice cream. The pears are poached in some form of mulled wine sauce, which gives them a lovely wintery comforting taste - the creamy ice cream compliments beautifully.

The Drink
There are some interesting house specials like spiced cider punch. There is also a fairly extensive wine menus to suit most budgets. The cheaper wine is nothing of note and really could be slightly better for £16. The draught beer is all very unusual and sourced from small breweries in Kent, Chiswick and Suffolk. This gives a great opportunity to branch out from the pint of Stella and try something different.

The Last Word
The Spencer Arms is brilliantly unique in that it is as relaxed and cosy as most places try to be but fail to achieve. The interesting menus will keep you coming back for more time after time.

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