THATCHED HOUSE
Brackenbury Village, Hammersmith
The Thatched House first opened its doors in 1832. Many years on and this grand Victorian corner building has a new lease of life, welcoming brand new chefs and a management team led by Oisín Rogers, the man also behind the award-winning Ship in Wandsworth.
Situated by Brackenbury Village, neighboured by Ravenscourt Park, Hammersmith and Shepherd’s Bush, the Thatched House is a real gem, offering a happy escape from the hustle and bustle. A comfortable, friendly local for all seasons, you can eat and drink alfresco in the secret garden in the summer or snuggle up by the roaring log fire in winter. Wherever you choose to unwind, let the pub’s new and enthusiastic crew mix one of the Thatched House’s signature gins and house-infused tonics or bring you generous plates of freshly prepared food.
The varied menu takes inspiration from both sides of the pond with a focus on satisfying comfort classics, created using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Light bites come in the form of anchovy soda bread toast; a signature scotch egg made with Cotswold Legbar egg and free range pork; and a plate of Sipsmith Sloe Gin cured salmon. Flavoursome sandwich choices worth trying include the schnitzel with sweet mustard and pickle; and the fish finger on sourdough with tartar sauce. American-inspired dishes on the main menu are a must-try, especially the salt beef with mash and pickles; an incredibly well-executed burger to rival that of any found in town; and a moreish macaroni cheese. Traditionalists will welcome classic British pub dishes like the hand-rolled premium sausages with hearty mash, fresh cod and chips or the seasonal pie of the day.
At the large wooden bar, pull up a retro leather stool and shoot the breeze with the bar team whilst enjoying specially-brewed, sputnik-conditioned, chilled Sambrook’s Thatched House Pale Ale – a brew exclusive to the pub. Rejoice in a choice of gins with the in-house tonics in flavours such as chai tea and hibiscus, cucumber and mint and earl grey and coriander. There’s also Sipsmith Summer Cup – a deliciously refreshing interpretation of a traditional ‘cup’ with infusions of lemon verbena, delicate tea notes and cucumber. Alternatively, an extensive wine list offers new and old world favourites with over a dozen wines by the glass.
The pub’s décor echoes the comforting and homely food on offer. A mismatch of cosy and functional furniture, some new and bespoke, some reclaimed and rustic, adds to the Thatched House’s character. One wall features a beautiful portrait by Ailbhe Phelan of ‘Prudence’, a unique handmade copper pot still and the first produced in London for 200 years by the local Sipsmith distillery. Stained glass feature windows, exposed brickwork, antique lamps and a beautiful fireplace completes the charming picture inside. Outside, the garden hidden away at the back of the pub provides a suntrap for summer parties, evenings with friends or dining alfresco.
Come down on Sunday evenings and immerse yourself in the welcoming banter, fun and camaraderie of Oisín’s well-known live Irish music session in full swing, which typifies the upbeat spirit of the Thatched House.
Thatched House, 115 Dalling Road, Hammersmith, London W6 OET 020 8748 6174