Packhorse & Talbot, Chiswick  

Once a grotty boozer, a makeover in 2005 improved things marginally and now a second refurb has improved it again, albeit by turning it into a clone of many other pubs in the Spirit Group portfolio, right down to the loungey, comfy décor and mass-produced menu. It's a pretty large place with a number of distinct areas and a smallish garden for the summer. A couple of more predictable ales were on offer but the range of clientele showed they could still entice the older geezers, who come for the cheap pub grub and a read of the Sun, whilst also attracting flat sharers and young groups of friends. There were however no W4 yummy mummies with baby Rupert in tow, for shame. All in all a generic but perfectly acceptable pub, save for one thing: the service. It's not often we get involved in banter with staff in managed pubs - they just don't care enough - but here the chat was flowing - witty, engaging and cheerful. It was contagious, too, raising the whole atmosphere. Top marks for that then and a good three pint rating in reflection.

reviewed:
06/07/2008

pub features:(click on an icon to see an explanation)

real ales

rear beer garden and seats out the front

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