London pubs with fires
There’s nothing quite like an open fire on a dreary winter’s evening. When you have had to brave the cold, rain and, possibly, heaving crowds of Christmas shoppers, a drink or two in front of a roaring fire can sound like a real treat. Here are a few London pubs which can accommodate such a request.
The Old Station House in Chiswick is not only home to an open fireplace but also to great food. The stunning building used to be the waiting room for Chiswick station but is now used as a place of relaxation and indulgence. The alfresco dining area may not be very appealing at this time of year but we are willing to bet that the roaring fire, classic menu and promise of a tipple are. Typical menu items include free range chicken Caesar salad, goat’s cheese bruschetta and four daily specials. An extensive wine list is available, alongside an equally impressive range of beers and spirits.
2 Grove Park Road, London, W4 3SG Telephone: 020 8742 2555
If a traditional pub serving real ale and tasty food in front of a real fire is what you’re after, the Holly Bush in Hampstead is where you need to go. Originally built as a house in the late 18th century, the pub contains three low-ceilinged bar areas which are made even cosier by the presence of several open fireplaces. It’s the kind of pub which makes you forget you’re only in the metropolis of London. The Holly Bush is Cask Marque approved and featured in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide so you can rest assured that the beer is excellent, the food menu also meets with approval. The menu changes regularly as seasonal ingredients are used; current dishes include roasted lamb ribs with seasonal vegetables, sweet corn blini & rosemary goat’s cheese with garden salad and candied walnuts and beef, ale and wild mushroom pie.
22 Hollymount, Hampstead, London, NW3 6SG Telephone: 020 7435 2892
Although the building which houses the Jerusalem Tavern dates back to the early 18th century, it was only converted into a pub around twenty years ago. Thankfully, the conversion kept the character of the building intact and it is a far cry from the legions of faceless modern pubs. A lot of the charm of the Jerusalem Tavern is in its imperfection; the interior is slightly wonky but very welcoming. The fireplace is situated in the front room, alongside two tables which are partially screened away from the main room. The pub is small, so try to avoid the after-work rush. The Jerusalem Tavern serves the full range of St Peter’s Brewery beers and ales, complemented by a hearty menu featuring pork sandwiches on sourdough, red snapper, bangers and fishcakes to name but a few.
55 Britton Street, London, EC1M 5UQ Telephone: 020 7490 4281
This Georgian building with four log fires is the perfect place to be on a cold evening. Shed your winter woollies and huddle with friends around the fire, putting the world to rights as you enjoy some quality food and drink. Winner of several awards, including the Observer Food Monthly’s Best Sunday Lunch and The Guardian’s Best Pubs in the UK, The Albion has a fantastically relaxed atmosphere. The bar serves a wide range of beers, real ales, ciders and spirits alongside a wine list created by one of the UK’s leading wine experts. Barbecue food features heavily on the summer menu but, at this time of the year, dishes include Cumberland sausage with mash, Westcombe cheddar gnocchi with slow roast Isle of Wight tomatoes and 28 day aged Sussex Rib Eye.
10 Thornhill Road, Islington, London, N1 1HW Telephone: 020 607 7450
King Edward VII (King Eddie’s)
King Eddie’s is a longstanding favourite local in Stratford and regularly attracts a very mixed bunch of customers. With open fires and low ceilings, the pub has retained its period features and the friendly, relaxing atmosphere you would expect from a traditional pub. The pub itself admits that not much has changed since the name in 1914 (it used to be called the King of Prussia). The wine and beer menus both offer a reasonable choice, with the beer menu featuring plenty of British draught and bottled beers. Foodwise, customers can choose from the likes of ham hock salad, ale battered fish and chips, Irish mussels and roast cauliflower, almond and spinach bake.
47 Broadway, Stratford, London, E15 4BQ Telephone: 020 8534 2313
This particular establishment is a gastro pub with particular emphasis on the food. Widely regarded as being well worth travelling to East Dulwich for; the Palmerston’s menu features staples, such as Galloway 28 day aged rib-eye beef, alongside changing seasonal dishes. The current menu offers pan fried fillet of wild brill, baby beetroot and button onion tarte tatin and roast Iberico bellota shoulder pork amongst its mouth-watering delights. A selection of real ales are available as well as an impressive wine list. To put the icing on the cake, all of these can be enjoyed sitting at a table right beside a real open fire!.
91 Lordship Lane, East Dulwich, London, SE22 8EP Telephone: 020 693 1629
cushion the impact provides award winning personal and virtual assistance and customised lifestyle management for hard working and hard living individuals and small business owners. We know there aren’t enough hours in the day, so let us help you live an organised, efficient, & fulfilling life. Take a deep breath & call us today. Your personal service awaits!
