A welcome addition to the riverside pub scene between Fulham and Hammersmith is the newly renovated iconic Victorian pub The Crabtree. In the summer, it's a delight, with its huge, verdant beer garden, outdoor BBQ and prime spot beside a small cove in the shade of an elegant weeping willow. Inside, the place has been given a smart sprucing up, maintaining its previous elegance while adding some edginess (non-matching lampshades) and much comfort (deep armchairs and soft cushions). The sheer size of the main room can make it seem rather empty in the cold, wet, winter months - but service is friendly, there's a good selection of beers on tap and wines in the cellar, the facilities are clean and it's all very warm and welcoming. Food is high-end gastro fare with a constantly changing seasonal menu. On our visit, duck pate, scallops and quail with cous cous starred as starters (£5-£7.50) alongside classics such as pork belly (£13.50) and 21-day-hung rib-eye steak (£16.50) for mains. There are ample (and appealing) fish and vegetarian options, plus an array of puddings (be warned - the chocolate tart is tasty but ever so rich!). Once the new owners, Realpubs (who have expertly done up The Queen Adelaide in Shepherd's Bush and The Pembroke in Earl's Court), get a year under their belt and the place learns to cope with busy, all-hands-on-deck summer Sunday afternoons, The Crabtree will be a real treat. If you're walking along the river towards Hammersmith or Bishops Park, perhaps before watching Fulham FC at Craven Cottage, it's already a dead cert. But allow yourself a lot of time - once you're settled, you won't want to leave.
A welcome addition to the riverside pub scene between Fulham and Hammersmith is the newly renovated iconic Victorian pub The Crabtree. In the summer, it's a delight, with its huge, verdant beer garden, outdoor BBQ and prime spot ..
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