Morning:
8°c
Critic rating
Blue Anchor is second-best
8 Sep 2008
The Blue Anchor - which has been licensed since 1722 - is the first in a succession of Thames-side pubs which stretch from Hammersmith to Chiswick and is arguably the second-best. Having undergone a refurbishment earlier this year we were grateful to see that it's still primarily a pub. With an exterior bedecked in an appropriately nautical blue and white, the interior seems to have been left with plenty of original features, including some lovely wooden paneling.
We found it odd that a fair few people wandering along the Thames during our lunchtime visit took a look at the menu, but rejected it in favour of the multinational chain pub next door - we could see nothing wrong with either the price or the choice. If you're lucky you might be able to bag the limited number of outside seats on the upstairs terrace in the restaurant area, which might prove a handy vantage point once the locals and afterwork crowds descend to pack it out on sunnier days.
CLIENTELE: locals tourists
NEAREST STATION: Hammersmith station
FEATURES: real ales, separate restaurant
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (5)
I had my 30th birthday party here on the weekend. I hired out their first floor bar. It was great. The room has floor to cieling views of the river and its own bar so it is private. I had about 40 people there and I think most people were amazed with the venue. The pub provided a buffet that was very acceptable and pretty good value. This is a good pub to visit without doubt and hard to beat if you are looking for a party venue.
- John, london, 23/09/2008 10:43
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Not sure what the critic means by "second best" (to what??). I've lived in the area for a number of years and think this pub is now an absolute delight. The pub was in need of some serious love and the new owners have done a wonderful job on restoring it unlike the formulated job done on the managed pub next door. I have always found the service and welcome immaculate which I guess comes with a family owned pub (the owner is there most nights). The menu is fresh and varied (unlike the micro waved fare you get in the managed pub next door) and I think excellent value. There is no doubt it is in a wonderful location (the views of the river and bridge are spectacular) which means it will always have customers but for once you get the feeling that you are not being taken for granted. As a local I thank you for the effort you have taken and wish you every succes.
- Sarah, london, 11/09/2008 21:07
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These guys have done a fantastic job on refurbing this pub. While I didn't mind the old boozer it was small, dark, dirty, smelly and in a real state of dis-repair (I guess some people would call that character!). They have kept many of the original features and I think have succeeded in maintaining the charm and history of the pub(it dates from 1722. There are some wonderful old pictures of it on display).They have also opened a second floor with fantastic views over the river. Its family run so the staff are very pleasant and keen to help. Spoke to the new owner who has a genuine affection for his pub. Good selection of Beer and everyone in my group thought the food was great. We will be back.
- Nick, London, 11/09/2008 09:50
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We visited the Blue Anchor Sunday quite by chance. The weather was miserable so not many people around. Ended up having a lovely meal and quite a 'session' afterwards! Loved the pub,loved the atmosphere and found the staff friendly. We will be back!!
- Jed, LONDON, 09/09/2008 20:00
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We went to the Blue Anchor this Sunday lunchtime. It was almost completely empty, with a man on his knees sanding the floor right by the door! I suspect they lose potential customers as the menu outside leads you to believe that it is a restaurant rather than a pub.
Our food was fine - and the staff OK but not especially friendly (the barman a rather grumpy Australian).
- Julia, London, 09/09/2008 18:29
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