The Crabtree

South Hammersmith residents should rejoice: in The Crabtree, they have a pub with one of London’s best Thames-side beer gardens, located in a position that only locals & hardy beer fans bother reaching. Nevertheless, the place buzzes on a sunny afternoon – as the barbecue sends grilled meat aromas over the river, & the Harrods depository looms handsomely on the opposite bank. Real ales are kept meticulously, & an outside bar sells chilled bottles of lager to sun-hungry drinkers. In chilly weather, the smart Victorian interior comes into its own, & the British-led menu is full of warming dishes such as pan-roasted lamb’s liver & herb butter on sourdough with salsa verde, or Barnsley chop with Chantenay carrots & mint jus. Prices are pretty high, but service is prompt & cheery.