Forum Topic

Decent pubs/bars in Brentford

Are there any? At least, populated by more than one man and his dog. Some eye candy wouldn't go amiss either.

Colin Murphy ● 7141d76 Comments

Apparently Thursday night is Strippers/Pole dancing night so I've been told!!Somebody else mentioned that they also have a Ladies Night/Male stippers on once a month but I cannot confirm this!!

Kevin Farnan ● 7119d

Phil, Sure I would if I knew it, perhaps it's best you give them a call, just in case!

Emma Rowlatt ● 7120d

EmmaAren't you going to tell us which night?  Just so that we can avoid it, of course? ;o)

Phil Andrews ● 7120d

I believe there is a lap dance night at the Pottery on one evening in the week, Jim, obviously not on a Saturday, your story probably would have taken a different turn had it been!

Emma Rowlatt ● 7120d

Well said Phil...great report.Is that how New Labour behaved?  You should remind the locals of these stories come next March/April /May.The pub was nicely furnished and looked cosy..but for a Saturday night..only six customers!

Jim Lawes ● 7121d

JimThe Pottery Arms is a wonderful pub.When we were trying to keep John Aird House (a residential care home which the council was trying to shut down) open we booked Harnage House, a council-owned building opposite the pub, for a protest meeting.  We knew full well that the New Labour council would pull the plug on the meeting at the last minute so we also booked the Pottery Arms as a back-up.Sure enough, on the night we were told that there had been a "double booking" on Harnage House, so the ICG people who had organised the meeting simply directed people across the road to the Pottery Arms.The pub played host to a superb meeting, attended by over sixty activists and locals.  Members of the New Labour Party who had had the audacity to turn up were surprised to see Donal McIntyre, the TV investigative journalist, filming the meeting.  They looked like rabbits who had been caught in the car headlights when they finally cottoned on; their expressions were priceless to behold.If/when this suggested pub crawl goes ahead I will buy all the staff in this excellent establishment a drink.

Phil Andrews ● 7121d

2.00 pound a pint. Was the beer any good.Good question Neil.The guvnor did ask me whether I thought the beer was ok!..which was an unusual. It certainly didn't score 10/10!but I was more concentrating on the conversations!!

Jim Lawes ● 7121d

2.00 pound a pint. Was the beer any good.

Neil Chippendale ● 7121d

Having re-read all the messages..I realise now that Mark had mentioned the Pottery Arms in his list.Tonight I heard that The Bricklayers Arms is up for sale in 2 weeks time..that is a surprise to hear again. It always looks so cosy and friendly..not that I have ever ventured in there.It seems it is perhaps likely to close.Why did The Windmill close down and be demolished? (located in Windmill Road south..on corner with ??Orchard Road?? )

Jim Lawes ● 7121d

The flashing of camera lights brought the Pub landlord rushing to the front door..at 9pm on a Saturday night..to greet me with "What do you think you are doing? (Charming is Brentford!)I pulled rank and marched him back to the bar..where he was able to sell me a Fullers Pride immediately..there being no queue!  In fact we had a pleasant chat."I spoke a some length to a very interesting Council employee who was in charge of paving slabbing certain parts of the Borough!! We spoke at length about secret London Tunnels..an interest of mine..and he certain added to my knowledge!Its an oldie-worldy bar..one applicant awaited Colin...no old brentford photos lining the walls..dartboard,bar billiards,and noisy flash TV.Moscow red ceiling!

Jim Lawes ● 7121d

Neil: Just like Andy Capp..I'm going to take that cue to pop down there ..the Pottery Arms..and have a look!  Cheers ;0)

Jim Lawes ● 7121d

The Pottery Arms was/is in Pottery Rd in the middle of the big Council Estate. Again I'm not sure if the pub, which is owned by Fullers, is open.

Neil Chippendale ● 7121d

Isn't there a Pottery Arms pub somewhere?

Jim Lawes ● 7122d

The original Red LIon was on the opposite side of Ealing Rd. A block of flats now stand on the site.I have a pewter mug engraved "Red Lion, Brentford"

Neil Chippendale ● 7123d

Wasn't that called The Angel?  I think I did venture in once or twice to shoot a game of pool.  I seem to vaguely remember there was a murder in there or something??  Funnily enough, Westside mag was waiting for me on my doorstep and there is a two page article on the 51 pubs in Brentford and the poem that Neil mentioned.  Very interesting read.  The Red Lion was the main pub, (not the Red Lion that stood where McDonalds is now), and in answer to my own question yesterday as to the frequenters (if there is such a word!), were the local workers.

Emma Rowlatt ● 7123d

Have a good time on your pub Crawl Colin!                       

Hugh Telford ● 7123d

"I have only been in a couple of the closed pubs. Most shut before I could drink"I have been in quite a few in the past when they should be closed for the night but have a "lock in" but thats another story.Did anyone on here ever drink in the Park Tavern near the Coach and Horses which had a double decker bus in its front carpark for years for some strange reason?Pretty rough pub as well as I remember.

Paul Fisher ● 7123d

"I have only been in a couple of the closed pubs. Most shut before I could drink"Suggest you go out earlier Neil?  ;o)

Phil Andrews ● 7123d

This is takem from the excellant book Brentford Past by Gillian Clegg."If Calcutta is correctly named "the city of Palaces", Brentford might with equal justice be styled the "Town of Taverns" So opined the "Licensed Victuallers Gazette" in 1881.The reason for all the pubs was the Market, the London Rd/High Street and the elections being held in the town.The oldest is said to the The Weir or as it should be titled "The White Horse".I have only been in a couple of the closed pubs. Most shut before I could drink.

Neil Chippendale ● 7123d

Wow! And 30 more to boot.  I vaguely remember the Star and Garter but the others I have never heard of.  Did you (I understand that you live elsewhere now) ever frequent any of the others??  Or did anyone else?  I wonder what made one more popular than the other in those days.  I imagine that the population of Brentford must have been less then than it is now with the increase of housing over the years, so can only think that it would be people who worked along the 'golden mile' that frequented these establishments.  Can anyone shed any light?

Emma Rowlatt ● 7124d

The Coach & Horses is in Brentford End which is in the parish of Isleworth.Now I would say that any pub over the canal bridge isn't in what I call traditional Brentford but other think differently.

Neil Chippendale ● 7124d

Well done Neil !!!...On my orignal 23 pubs I forgot to include The Coach and Horses at Busch Corner. There is however great debate on weather it scrapes into the boundries of Brentford.When I was a kid it was.Maybe since then the boundry lines have changed ?

Mark Welland ● 7124d

As promised. According to my list, these 51 were just the pubs that stood on (or just off) High Street and Kew Bridge Road. There were, apparently, over 30 more within ‘a short stagger’. Now that’s what I call a pub crawl!Star and GarterExpress HotelOxford and CambridgePloughWaggon and HorsesJolly TarLambSalutation InnFox and HoundsHand and FlowerMarquis of GranbyQueens ArmsBarge AgroundBullBrewery TapRoyal HotelPrince of WalesHalf MoonSeven StarsGlittering StarDrumLionAlexandraGeorge IVWaterman’s ArmsRed LionKing’s ArmsCannonRising SunOne TonFeathersBeehiveBlack Boy and StillCatherine WheelBarley MowWhite HorseCastleLionThree PidgeonsMagpie and StumpMagpie and CrownTwo Black BoysSix BellsMagnetLord NelsonJunction ArmsDuke of NorthumberlandGeorge and DragonStandardAngelCoach and HorsesI'll scan the poem in later.

Neil Chippendale ● 7124d

Thanks Emma for your reply. I'm not surprised at it closing; the last time I passed by it was not a pleasant looking place! My Mother lived in Harnage House so we'd pass that pub as we walked to the High Street, many years ago.

Audrey Walton ● 7124d

Tomorrow I'll post the Brentford Pub poem.It lists all the pubs that was once in Brentford.Off to bed now.

Neil Chippendale ● 7125d

Hi Audrey,That closed a while back and was aptly nicknamed the Beirut Arms!  There are a few which have closed over the years, Red Lion, The Windmill, The Colt, The Plough are the ones that I remember.  However, I understand that there were 54 at one stage but thats before my era.  Anyone else know?  (Imagine attempting the crawl then!)

Emma Rowlatt ● 7125d

NeilIt would be practical if it was staggered (!) over two nights, maybe with a week or two between.That's eleven in each - halves for the TW8s, possibly... ;o)

Phil Andrews ● 7125d

Mark is The North Star still there - across from Green Dragon School?

Audrey Walton ● 7125d

Not a bad pub crawl. How long would it take though. I bet not many would finish it, even if it was a half in each.Would love to see pictures of the final few at the end.

Neil Chippendale ● 7125d

GEORGE AND DRAGON..NORTHUMBERLAND ARMS..SIX BELLS..MAGPIE AND CROWN..THE WEIR[WHITE HORSE]..BREWERY TAP..BEEHIVE..KINGS ARMS..THE GLOBE..THE NELSON..THE NEW ENGLAND[DUKE OF YORK]..NEW INN..ROYAL OAK..GRIFFIN..ALBANY ARMS..THE WATERMANS..ROYAL HORSEGUARDSMAN..BRICKLAYERS..PRINCESS ROYAL..POTTERY ARMS..EXPRESS..WAGGON AND HORSES AND FINALLY CAPTAIN MORGANS !!!...ITS LOOKING LIKE A 23 PINT PUBCRAWL THEN !!!

Mark Welland ● 7125d

Don't forget The Kings Arms.

Kevin Farnan ● 7126d

Havent been in the Expres in years but he was the most unpleasent landlord I ever encountered.From a historical perpective thought the pub is very important as it has been in the same family since the 1880's

Neil Chippendale ● 7127d

They've just been granted a late licence by a 3-man Licencing Panel.  Hopefully said landlord will recognise me!! ;O)

Phil Andrews ● 7127d

The Express tavern even though it is possibly a great little secret is run by in my opinion by the most grumpiest and unfriendly host you could ever wish to encounter.

Paul Fisher ● 7127d

The Express Tavern and The Coach and Horses down by Kew Bridge are also still in Brentford!

Peter McGovern ● 7128d

I hope he keeps up the little sayings on the blackboard outside the pub, they were often food for tought on my way to work!By the way to add to the list of Brentford pubs, The Globe!!!!That bit of the windmill rd is still brentford, by the same token, the Lord Nelson might be too...also the New England on the A4!

Helen Martin ● 7128d

The landlord of the Coach and Horses has bought the Duke of Northumberland.He is a very decent bloke and will be taking over soon.

Keith Iddon ● 7129d

From the High Street move to the Albany Arms then the 4 pubs on the corner of the football. Then along Ealing road taking in the Bricklayers, if open, and the Royal Horseguards Man.Walk along the High Street to O'Riordans. Continue along to the two pubs near Kew Bridge. Not 27 but enough.

Neil Chippendale ● 7129d

"maybe simon could also come along"Not in that Biggles outfit he isn't!

Phil Andrews ● 7129d

hi all what a wonderfull idea both myself and simon would be over the moon we both rasie money for the starlight ward west middlesex hosp let me know when your doing this i will try and come along maybe simon could also come along.CheersDebbie

Debbie Dewar ● 7130d

Brilliant idea Phil!  I think what we should do is start by naming the pubs which I will start following this, but will surely become stuck and then plan our route.  So starting from Bush Corner headed into London - Northumberland Arms (The chap from the George and Dragon has bought this pub btw, not sure of what plans he has for it though),Six Bells, Magpie and Crown, The Weir, Beehive, Brewery Tap, Watermans Arms.I think that covers main high street, if someone wants to pick up from there.....

Emma Rowlatt ● 7130d

Why do we not organise a sponsored pub crawl in aid of one of Simon's or Debbie's charities, so that members of the forum can tour all 27 joints in one evening, then put it to the vote at the end?  No more than one drink in each mind, this project is for the purposes of academic research only and not for the greedy.I suggest we start at the Duke of Northumberland (to get a drink in quickly before it closes), and finish somewhere near the borders of Chiswick so as to see Colin home safely.Notebooks should be provided for those, like myself, with a propensity for forgetting where they have been more than ten minutes previously.Then when we get home we can all log on to our computers and resume the debates of recent days into the wee small hours.Any takers?

Phil Andrews ● 7130d

I thought I read somewher that the Northumberland Arms was closing as the couple running it intended to go. As for the Bricklayers it wouldn't surprise me if that closed. Not one of my favourite pubs.

Neil Chippendale ● 7130d

hi peter the old fire station wine bar is for 21 and over pop in and have a look its really nice in thereDebbie

Debbie Dewar ● 7130d

I think the Bricklayers might have closed. At least it was a few nights ago. The Northumberland Arms is only open from 1-7 and today there was a sign on it saying it had no beer. The pub with NO BEER! is there anything so sad.What is happening to Brentfords pubs? Are we not drinking enough?I think there is a pub for every taste in Brentford apart from the very trendy. Fire Station? Maybe, but a bit more of a restaurant isn't it? Ditto Glistening Waters.Can't think of anywhere for the 20somethings.I like Ealing Park Tavern but alas W5. Just.

Peter McGovern ● 7130d

Hi Colin,I have taken your choices and likened them as much as I can to similar establishments you might find in Brentford:Duffys - I have a been a couple of times but not recently, but I get the sense that it is predominantly Irish, Captain Morgans I would liken this one to, quaint, beamed typically Irish pub.  Old Packhorse Chiswick, difficult one as it is quite a big pub and serves lovely Thai food (not sure if they still do actually), could only liken that to the Albany Arms, however, cannot comment on the atmosphere as I haven't been there for quite some time.  Bell & Crown has got to be the Weir for both location and culinary delights.  The Weir is tending more toward a restauranty feel than a bar now though.  Pickwicks, always one of my lil' faves in Chiswick, small, snug and easy going, can only think that the Fire Station would be similar however, the Fire Station is likely to be more full of a more 20 something punter.  At the end of the day when you go out the atmosphere comes from what you make it, you could be in the dullest place on earth, but if the company is right that makes the evening.  Let me know if you venture into any and would be interesting to hear your thoughts.  I, being a brenfordian, have frequented all of Brentfords 27?? (I think maybe less) establishments and do have my favourite but each to their own.

Emma Rowlatt ● 7131d

My list was of places I like to go and wanted to use as a comparison for the TW8 equivalent.

The Pseudometer ● 7133d

Colin..I'm enjoying and interested in following the progress of your list...of non suitable for you...local pubs.I was surprised to see Strand on the Green's Bell & Crown included..not that I have been there for 20years..but I thought it was fashionable!Pottery Arms? New Inn? Bricklayers Arms....actually there are loads still to review aren't there? What a pub crawl!

Jim Lawes ● 7133d

Duffy's in NorthfieldsOld Packhorse in Chiswick (in Gordon's time)Bell & Crown in Strand on the GreenPickwick's in Chiswick

The Pseudometer ● 7133d

Duffy's in NorthfieldsOld Packhorse in Chiswick (in Gordon's time)Bell & Crown in Strand on the Green

The Pseudometer ● 7133d

Hear, hear on the Brewery Tap.I agree too...The Basin Street Six trad jazz on Thursdays can sometimes be a knock-out.And no chance of any punch ups as I believe it's the Clubhouse for active and retired Police.

Jim Lawes ● 7134d

Hear, hear on the Brewery Tap. Captain Morgan's also has great live music evenings

Andy Jones ● 7134d

Can't agree with the inclusion of the Brewery Tap in this list - a fantastic pub that does excellent lunches and hosts some very good live music sessions on most evenings.

Matt Harmer ● 7134d

Pubs that haven't been appealing:George & DragonSix BellsMagpie & CrownBrewery TapBeehivefor starters.

The Pseudometer ● 7134d

http://www.professorharbottle.co.uk/pub/londonwest.htmlColin: Why don't you do a pub crawl around the area..and tell US where we might go!

Jim Lawes ● 7134d

The Nelson! Thats where the beautiful people of Brentford go. I stay home with the kids.

Peter McGovern ● 7137d

Well Rachele, it's like this: when one's remaining parent nears the end of their life, one tends to accommodate their preferences when spending time with them in a manner of their choosing.Sorry to have disturbed you (although you seem to have a head start), but I was at least hoping to find more aesthetic venues in which to spend the aforementioned time. It seems, in any case, that visual aesthetics in Brentford would be overshadowed by it's denizen's personality defects.

The Pseudometer ● 7138d

Well for someone that has to be dictated from their father as to what drinking establishment one should frequent, should get oneself a life!! (you do realise that this is a pair of females that dare become exposed to the slaughter)!

Rachele Mooney ● 7138d

Colin,if you can stand rugby types,try the Town Wharf,though not in the parish.

Keith Iddon ● 7138d

Colin,if you can stand rugby types,try the Town Wharf.

Keith Iddon ● 7138d

Damn! For a moment there, I thought I might meet some people with a sense of humour, rather than a bitter old crone...

The Pseudometer ● 7138d

Oh gosh now, what will I do with my Friday??? I thought I was going to meet with Fabulous loser!!

Rachele Mooney ● 7138d

Hmm...the ukelele and Brewery Tap is not a winning combination! Sorry to disappoint, but I'll have to make the Windsor pilgrimage this Friday instead.

The Pseudometer ● 7138d

Forget a white wine for the lady, how about some eye candy for us???!

Rachele Mooney ● 7138d

Try The Griffin on the corner of Braemar Road and Brook Road. You'll find more than one man and his dog in there.

Margaret Wittich ● 7138d

Oh and who I wonder planted that seed?!  Okay done, Brewery Tap Friday night, it won't be difficult to recognise me, I'm the one with the pink ukulele cradling nipper my jack russell...No offence intended Brewery Tap, I think you are a quaint little pub ooozing character.

Emma Rowlatt ● 7139d

Look, this is at risk of turning into a dating site! Why don't we all meet up at a a suggested venue this Friday? (I'm fabulous, btw)

The Pseudometer ● 7139d

well said Emma!!!

Helen Martin ● 7139d

I agree with Debbie, but take a wander, there are many little watering holes dotted around Brentford although probably more local.  There is also the Stripes bar in Braemar Road which I believe have a band/disco every Friday, not sure about your eye candy though.  Incidentally, I challenge you to repeat your comment about the lack of eye candy accompanied with a photo of yourself!!

Emma Rowlatt ● 7140d

i can recommend the old fire station wine bar its very lush and good to go there when a special function is going on you just missed a fantastic night halloween friday it was packed with eye candy all over the place in short fancy dress costumes what a shame you missed it ill let you know when the next one is on.all the bestDebbie

Debbie Dewar ● 7141d

Oh well sounds as if the Magpie and the Brewery Tap are out.It sounds as if you need to get into the Wier or the Fire Station.Been in them both once and will never return but they both had nice views while inside.

Neil Chippendale ● 7141d

Unfortunately, my experiences have been dictated by my dad's choices and I need a change!

The Pseudometer ● 7141d

Put yourself about and decide for yourself.

Keith Iddon ● 7141d

ColinBrentford has always had an abundance of traditional pubs for traditional drinkers.  As for eye candy, you'd be amazed how attractive some of the locals become as the evening wears on. :o)

Phil Andrews ● 7141d