Carpenters Arms

Even picky critic AA Gill is not immune to the charms of this simple backstreet pub in Hammersmith. Under new management, it has upped its game, now offering confidently prepared seasonal British food with continental flourishes. Typical dishes include grilled quail, lemon, coriander & grapes; roast haddock, Puy lentils, pancetta & thyme & red wine sauce; & chocolate mousse cake, coffee syrup & sour cream. Over a dozen wines come by the glass, while several, such as the house Languedoc, are sold by the 500ml carafe. Interesting bottles at the pricier end of the list include a Pinot Noir from Oregon at £28 & a Mount Horrocks Watervale Riesling from Oz at £32. Finish your meal over coffee & a proper puddingy Sauternes (£6 per glass) in the courtyard garden.