The Brentford 6 Pub Crawl
Updated: 4 days ago
Picturesque Thames views, numerous film and TV locations, plus two of the
famous ‘four corner’ pubs await on this hedonistic rampage/polite stroll through TW8. And what better place to start a Brentford pub crawl than err... Richmond.
Easy tiger, stay with me.
The reasons for the (optional) start in The Badlands are threefold:
1: It’s a convenient starting point for, God forbid, non locals.
2: It extends the walk’s Thameside thrills.
3: To visit the historic London Apprentice pub.
So, dig out your Ordnance Survey map (yes, they still exist), it’s once more unto the breach dear friends.
Please note: on the assumption most people will use their phones to navigate, I've kept directions to a minimum.
1: London Apprentice, 62 Church St, TW7 6BG
Directions from Richmond Station: Let's start with a 1.8-mile ramble to earn those pints. Turn left when leaving the station, walk past 78 coffee shops, and cut down to the picturesque riverbank. Head right along the towpath until you reach the Lock and Weir Bridge. Cross over the river and continue east/right along the opposite bank. After a little weaving in and out, you will reach Church Street in Old Isleworth.
Tucked on the end of this picturesque Georgian street, the Grade II-listed London Apprentice was recorded as a licensed inn in 1731. However, its history goes back to Tudor times, and it’s rumoured to have been frequented by various big knobs over the years, including Henry VIII. It's been recently refurbished but retains an old-world feel with oak-beamed ceilings, tiled floors, and a fireplace. Grab a shandy and head to the terrace. You’ll need luck to bag a seat if the sun's out, but the river scene is usually a revitalising sight. The foliage-rich ait and tidal mudflats host a gallery of waterfowl, while boats of all shapes and sizes pass by.
Filler fact: Opposite nearby All Saints' church, was once the Isleworth Stairs. A pier where Catherine Howard and Lady Jane Grey began 'one-way' sightseeing cruises to the Tower of London in the 16th century.
2: The Weir, 22-24 Market Pl, TW8 8EQ
Cut through Syon Park - the Duke of Northumberland’s gaffe and site of many film and TV locations, pass through a walled alley and you will emerge on London Road AKA Brentford High Street. Head right towards the town centre and look to your left behind the Old Court House - what’s that gleaming green thing, is it a monster? Is it a monster? No, it’s The Weir’s shimmering emerald tiles. It’s unlikely they had a cocktail happy hour and DJ spinning bangers when it opened in 1604, but, as well as boasting an jade façade, The Weir serves great food and has a lovely beer garden. Choose your poison and head for the sunlight beyond the bar. You’ll emerge into a terraced oasis of plants and ferns with calming views over the River Brent.
Filler Fact: As per the Blue Plaque, JMW Taylor, the master watercolour painter, lived in the building from 1785-1787.
3: Brewery Tap, 47 Catherine Wheel Rd, TW8 8B
Firstly, take a detour through The Butts - a row of grand houses and atmospheric square straight from an ITV period drama. Secondly, if you haven’t made a gag about going up the Butts, leave the crawl immediately. Cut back down to Catherine Wheel Road where, rising defiantly like King Arthur’s sword albeit from a lake of repurposed warehouses and industrial units, you’ll find The Brewery Tap. Raised in case of flooding, it feels a bit like you're onboard a ship inside this trad-cool pub. There are several rooms, pizzas the size of planets, and even an old Joanna (piano). Music is a big part of the Tap with an evolving line-up of bands and DJs. If you’re in the area when John The Piano is tinkling the ivories you are in for a treat.
Filler Fact: The pizzas are made in-house by Patio Pizzas who have been ranked in the Top-20 of UK Pizza Places by The Times.
4: The Black Dog, 17 Albany Rd, TW8 0NF
Heading east back on the High Street, take a left up Wilkes Road and she shall appear. The good old days of pubs offering one ale, one lager and a grizzled fugue-like state bartender are long gone (mostly) and none more so than at The Black Dog. Chalkboards of flamboyantly-named beers, ciders, and breweries in a myriad of volumes, strengths and prices, peer down at you as the friendly bar staff wait patiently for you to make up your mind. The agony of choice. Throw in great food, a roaring fire when required, and yet another enticing beer garden (minus a point for artificial grass) and it’s no surprise Le Chien Noir does a roaring trade.
Filler fact: In 2009, the landlord of The Black Dog's previous incarnation, The Albany Arms, was charged with running an illegal strip club in the pub.
5: The Griffin, Brook Rd South, TW8 0NP
A short walk away, awaits the ivy-draped Griffin, one of the semi-famous pubs on each corner of Brentford FC’s home ground until they upped sticks to Kew Bridge. Pleasingly, it feels like little has changed inside this homely establishment for a while. Old photos and memorabilia adorn the walls, a dart board in the corner, and a motley crew of regulars prop up the bar. If you’re lucky, one of the pub’s cats will fearlessly occupy a prime bar stool. Its old school atmosphere and appearance has led to The Griff being used in several TV shows and films, including Green Street and People Just Do Nothing. As well as being a good place to watch footy - especially if The Bees are playing - there’s a patio beer garden, a row of outdoor tables and a quieter restaurant annexe that’s perfect for a family Sunday lunch.
Filler fact: Established around 1890, the pub used to double as a changing room for Brentford FC players.
6: The Brook, 38 New Rd, TW8 0NU
Last but not least, follow Brook Road South - adjacent to what was once the Griffin Park away end - and you’ll reach our final destination, The Brook. This beautifully-furnished establishment is a pleasure to frequent. House plants, an art-deco bar, various nooks and crannies, a lovely ‘hidden’ beer garden, and pieces of off-beat art combine to give the feel of a mildly eccentric boutique hotel. As does Dexter, ‘The Hound of the Brookervilles’, watching from his basket. There’s a superb rotation of beers and ciders, great food, plus an eclectic music play list that will keep you guessing. Overseeing everything as barman, waiter, landlord, DJ and raconteur, is the convivial landlord.
This is the end: Brentford station is a 6-min walk away while South Ealing tube is about 20 mins. Although, the New Inn is just down the road, so...
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