Hand & Flower, Fulham  

This huge pub at the Fulham end of the King's Road has been thoroughly tarted up in recent months. It's still a pub - at least the front half of it is - but the focus is heavy on the food with a huge and rather formal dining room at the back. And the food is very good, if pricey (from £9 to £16 for a main course). For drinkers, there is an extensive wine list and you can get a really good pint of real ale in a proper glass tankard - even the Guinness comes in a dimpled glass - with the three pumps changing every week with a great variety of guest ales. Only one beer was on when we were in last, which was a bit disappointing. But we have to say it's let down heavily by the disinterested and rude bar staff who seem to have been hired for their looks rather than their warm welcome. Added to that the loud Ibiza-style music means this place can feel more of a club than a pub in the evening - it's a bit quieter during the day. Which is a shame because this pub has all the ingredients to be a really great place. Until that changes, we recommend The Rose around the corner.

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