London Apprentice

"One of the best riverside pubs in West London"

Added Mon 18 May 2009 by KimT

This pub is one of West London’s finest – positioned confidently on the river at Isleworth it is one of those places that you naturally think of when the weather is fine and you fancy an outdoor drink. It’s like a reliable old friend – even after not visiting for a while it still welcomes you and feels comfortable like a good quality old shoe.

I was there for Sunday lunch with my best friend and her mother who had come down from the North for a Bank Holiday of gardening labour. We arrived around 1pm having booked a table and were grateful to find a parking space just outside overlooking the slip way to the river where numerous people were feeding the somewhat overweight ducks, geese and swans.

The bar area is extensive. The front of the pub overlooks the narrow road lined with beautiful riverside town houses – both traditional and new “toy town“ style. Then there is a large spacious area around the bar – with numerous tables with stools or chairs depending on your taste – all under a traditional dark wood, relatively low hanging ceiling.

This opens out a bit – just before the huge riverside decked area – into a space complete with green leather winged chairs nestled around a traditional fire place. On our visit, one of the chairs was taken by an old bloke reading the newspaper – it was almost a cliché.

Lowering your head to mind the beam brings you into a sizeable dining area – all overlooking a magnificent green view of the Thames and one of its many islands. There were beef, pork and lamb roasts on the menu as it was Sunday but I opted for the salsa, sour cream and jalapeno burger and chips (£7.40 - I have never seen so many chips and they were delicious) and my colleague opted for the fish and chips (£6.95) with minted mushy peas. Mum tucked into roast beef – a portion so large it overshadowed the vegetables and both roast and new potatoes. These mains were so substantial that we were not able to sample the sticky toffee pudding and custard or chocolate sponge puddings that those on nearby tables were clearly enjoying. Food is served daily up to 9pm but remember that you need to order your food at the bar!

The outside area is really well presented and very large. Lots of tables, parasols and chairs within a prettily walled area with numerous decorative plants. The views of the river are really awesome.

The place was extremely busy but not crowded. All sorts were here – young and old couples, extended families, small families and large and small groups of just blokes and mixed couples. I can’t comment on the beer – although I know enough men who rate it as a good pub for its real ale.

There is also an upstairs area here – but I have never tried it out. I would be interested to hear anyone’s views. Apparently they run poker evenings and offer quiz nights and live music on occasions – but check the web site for details of events.

Afterwards we went for a stroll around Syon Park – with its fine gardens and extensive garden centre. Clearly all that fresh air had provoked a nurturing instinct in me and I found myself loaded down with new plants for my baskets and flower beds.

The London Apprentice oozes history. If you haven’t been to The London Apprentice then you haven’t been to one of the best riverside pubs in West London. As it says on the web site, it is a British tradition with former clientele including Tudor Kings and highwaymen.