Tom & Dick's, Westbourne Grove  

Welcome to Westbourne Grove, home to many a popular gastropub. Where better, then, to experience the 'next level' of bar - the überpub, if you will? Marketed as a 'restaurant bar', their potentially handy table service policy quickly became pointless posturing when imposed as a rule, rather than a nicety. Considering our table was literally under the bar, it was frustrating to wait 10 minutes to be served and have our drinks 'delivered' all of 12 inches. On our weekend visit, we noticed the absence of people eating, so it seemed more 'bar' than 'restaurant'. The unnecessary bouncers indicated that, too. On the positive side, the décor was good - French bistro meets 50's Americana. They also have interesting events, such as a book club and cinema nights. Sadly, none of this could rescue the place from a one pint rating. Firstly, it has the dubious honour of being the most expensive pub Redcat has reviewed - £4.50 for a pint of Guinness, if you include the 'discretionary' 12.5% service. Add to this a mass of loud pretentious customers who were some of the worst excesses of W2 media culture - people so caricatured they would blend in easily with Nathan Barley and its not looking good. Regard this pub's name as a warning about how you and your bank balance might feel after a visit and seek alternative refreshment.

reviewed:
30/8/2005

Link to your pub's web site