The American
Dining Out at
The Thatched House W
hen I first visited London, there were only a few pubs that had food. In the country, it was different and most pubs served hearty English fare such as sausage (bangers!) and mash or Shepherd’s pie. And oh, the apple crumble with custard still echoes on my taste buds! I was recalling those country pubs when Jennifer Atterbury and I had dinner at The Thatched House in Hammersmith recently. Located on a road junction close to Ravenscourt Park in the picturesque village of Brackenbury, the Victorian style building is not particularly interesting, but inside there’s that ticky tacky atmosphere that suggests it was put together by the owner rather than some smart decorating firm in Mayfair. Perhaps the pub doesn’t look like it did when it first opened its doors in 1832, but Agatha Christie would have been familiar with the 1930’s style wallpaper, faded photographs, antique lamps, leather-bound books lining the bookcases and mismatched tables and chairs that is to me is quintessentially British. Of course,
I may be remembering those wonderful English movies from the 1930’s my mother adored. The house speciality is Mussels and Chips (£8.00) which Jennifer had as her first course. It came steaming hot, the shallots bubbling away in the traditional white wine and butter broth. As I had a cold and it was freezing outside, I chose the leek and potato soup and that too arrived steaming and warmed me immediately. Chef Jimi ( James Gill) knows that his customers like hearty seasonal fare without fuzz and foam and Jennifer’s flat iron steak with chips and garlic butter (£12.50) was tasty and tender despite being one of the less expensive cuts of beef. Nor could I complain about my calves liver, garlic mash, bacon with silverskin onions (£11.50) I had as my main course. We shared a selection of English cheese (£5.00) that included several I wasn’t familiar with but were extremely tasty. Desserts are old fashioned English and Jennifer’s Sticky Toffee Pudding (£5.00) was perfect in every
By Virginia E Schultz
way. Sadly, my apple pie with vanilla ice cream (£5.00) was a disappointment. Not buttery crumble I wanted and where was the lovely custard? Still, other than that, the food was wonderful and at prices that don’t break the bank. Like most pubs today, there’s lots of activity for young and old. Saturday is brunch with Eggs Benedict while Sunday is for the traditional roast and then a board game by the fire. There are cask ales and bitters as well as a selection of new and old world wines. For more intimate eating try the conservatory at the back which leads onto a secret garden. Quiz night is every Tuesday at 8 pm and live music on Sunday from 7 pm. Dogs are allowed and the pub is child friendly. Oh, and go to the toilet when you’re there... you’ll know why when you do!
Ravenscourt Park, 115 Dalling Road, London W6 OET
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