Bars
The 6 Best Pubs in Hammersmith
Riverside terraces, a record-breaking snug and a Brackenbury roast: Hammersmith drinks far better than its flyover suggests.
In short: our top picks are The Dove, The Blue Anchor and Old Ship. 6 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Hammersmith gets written off as a transport interchange, which is a mistake. Walk five minutes from the Broadway and you reach one of the finest stretches of Thames-side pubs in London, from the Dove’s tiny record-breaking bar to the Old Ship’s sprawling terrace. Inland, Brackenbury Village hides the sort of gastropub roast people happily cross town for. This is a corner of W6 built for a slow afternoon and a second pint.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| The Dove | Hammersmith | ££ |
| The Blue Anchor | Hammersmith | ££ |
| Old Ship | Hammersmith | ££ |
| The Andover Arms | Brackenbury Village, Hammersmith | £££ |
| Brook Green Hotel | Brook Green, Hammersmith | ££ |
| The Queen's Head | Brook Green, Hammersmith | ££ |
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Editor’s choice
The Dove
Why we pick itIt holds the world record for the smallest public bar, pours proper Fuller's London Pride and hangs a sun-trap terrace right over the Thames.
historic riverside tavern
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The Blue Anchor
Why we pick itLicensed since 1722, with cobalt picnic tables on Lower Mall and an upstairs River Room; a proper Boat Race day boozer year round.
traditional riverside pub
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Old Ship
Why we pick itThe two-tier riverside terrace is the best sun deck on Upper Mall, with British plates, cask ales and open Thames views by the bridge.
riverside pub
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The Andover Arms
Why we pick itTucked into Brackenbury's backstreets, this 1850s local does a serious Sunday roast with a popover, real ales and a wood-panelled, fire-warmed front bar.
gastropub
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Brook Green Hotel
Why we pick itA Young's pub of sofas, a little snug and a blanketed beer garden out back; the Sunday roast and a pint of Special pull the regulars.
Young's pub with garden
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The Queen's Head
Why we pick itOne of west London's biggest pub gardens sits behind this 18th-century Fuller's house on Brook Green, all fairy lights and long summer afternoons.
garden pub
Before you book
Hammersmith Underground (Piccadilly, District, Circle and Hammersmith and City lines) leaves you about ten minutes from the water; aim for Upper Mall and Lower Mall. The riverside terraces fill fast on the first warm weekend and on Boat Race day in spring, so arrive early or book ahead. Most are dog-friendly, and the Andover Arms and Queen’s Head take Sunday roast bookings well worth making.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
The Dove is our editor's choice: It holds the world record for the smallest public bar, pours proper Fuller's London Pride and hangs a sun-trap terrace right over the Thames. The Dove, The Blue Anchor and Old Ship lead the guide, with 6 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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