The Admiral Nelson

This pub has effectively been my local for nearly three decades but I’m afraid I haven’t been a regular visitor. The atmosphere was poor (dominated always by a large sports screen), the few clientele usually somewhat downcast, the wine poor and the food even worse. And it was always a bit shabby.

Except, of course, on rugby days. The pub is just 5 minutes’ walk from Whitton train station and a 20 minute walk to Twickenham Stadium. On these occasions it has a BBQ in its small outside covered area and it is usually rammed with excited rugby fans – spilling out into the street outside.

However, it’s been under new management (Vicky has been running this Fuller’s establishment for just over a year now) and once the Rugby World Cup finished it underwent a dramatic make-over. So I went along last night to check it out.

The environment and clientele

I was surprised that for a Monday evening it was relatively busy. There were couples, small groups of friends sitting together, a few groups of chaps standing at one side of the bar and a few lone drinkers and diners – myself (a female) included.

There are tea lights on the tables and candles on the shelves giving a warm, soft, intimate glow. It felt quite comfortable. And the framed rugby shirts on the walls reminded us of where we were.

It’s a pub of many parts – arranged around the central bar – which provide a variety of different spaces. There’s a large drinking area on one side – traditional but nicely decorated – shiny wooden floors, dark wood tables, some comfy chairs around the fireplace and an elevated dark table if you fancy sitting up a bit higher. There’s plenty of space around the actual bar and there are so many bar staff (all friendly) that you don’t have to wait long to be served.

Towards the back is a quieter area – with some lovely leather sofas and intimate tables looking out onto the High Street outside. There are inviting boxes of board games alongside the books and modern ornaments on the shelves which act as dividers.

There’s another area to the side – which would be great for a semi-private gathering of around 12-16 folk. Then there is The Lady Hamilton Room which serves as a restaurant. The lighting fixtures are intriguing and there is a fireplace at one end. The Sunday roast (£13-15) is highly popular so you need to book in advance to be sure of a place. Although eating is allowed throughout the pub.

The final part has a nook that seats about eight people and a small standing area. There’s a small wall mounted TV screen and a fruit machine.

The drinks

Anyway, when I asked for a glass of dry white wine I was offered Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Pinot Grigio. A regular glass of Sauvignon Blanc cost £4.50. It was perfectly chilled and rather good.

I’m afraid I’m not a beer expert but there were a variety on offer – including craft beers. And there was a reasonable selection of premium vodka and gins.

The food

Gone are those horrid plastic menus offering cook-chilled nasties. There’s a new chef who uses seasonal ingredients.

There are pub favourites such as London Pride battered cod, chips, mushy peas and tartare sauce (£12 – this was served on a smart rectangular ceramic plate and was a rather large portion with crispy light batter, super-hot real chips – all good. Even the condiments box impressed – designer tomato ketchup, brown sauce and mustard as well as Hellman’s mayonnaise), port and leek sausages and mash (£11), Chalcott Farm beef burger with chips and coleslaw (£11) and chicken breast with chorizo croquette, spinach and mushroom sauce (£13).

Interesting also to see Venison casserole with blue cheese and leek dumpling (£14.50) as well as a pie of the day served with mash and winter greens (£12). Recent pies have included ham and mushroom, venison and chicken, leek and ham.

And a good selection of vegetarian options – spiced roasted pumpkin and spelt salad (£10), roasted butternut squash and chickpea tangine (£10.50), hot smoked salmon salad with new potatoes, fine beans and soft boiled egg (£11) and pumpkin and walnut gnocchi (£10).

Puddings included lemon posset (£5.50), apple and rhubarb crumble (£5.50), sticky toffee pudding (£6) and a British cheese board (£9).

Also popular are the “build a board” sharing plates – where dishes are £4.50 each or four for £16 and include an interesting selection of meat (lamb kofta, marinated chicken thighs, sticky sausages), fish (cod goujons, smoked salmon, salt and pepper squid, smoked mackerel pate) and vegetarian (cheese quesadilla, toasted flat bread, goats cheese and mushroom croquette and cauliflower and spinach pakora).

The entertainment

The background music is audible enough to hear but it doesn’t dominate. An interesting selection including David Bowie and Buddy Holly as well as more contemporary numbers was playing last night.

In the New Year, Friday night music will be re-introduced but with lighter and more relaxing bands and artists than the previous rather noisy heavy metal gigs.

Sunday evenings will have quizzes at 8pm – but this will be contained to certain parts of the bar so you don’t have to join in if you don’t want to.

Kids are allowed throughout the restaurant and bar areas until 8pm.

Dogs are allowed in the bar areas but not the restaurant.

Overall

Whilst I am a little worried how the local community – particularly the former regulars – will react to the new style personally I am delighted. I finally appear to have the sort of local that I’ve always wanted and can be proud of. I will be happy to pop in alone and to take along family and friends in the future.

The Admiral Nelson

Food Served

Big Screen TV

Disabled Facilities

Children Welcome

Music Played

Live Music Played

Private Area

Outdoor Area

The Admiral Nelson Picture Gallery

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