The Dove, Hammersmith

The Dove
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19 Upper Mall, Hammersmith, London, W6 9TA
Tel: 020 8748 9474

The Dove has all of the essential ingredients for a quaint riverside pub - bella vistas, hearty fare and a wide variety of ice cold beers on tap. But what I like most is its Guinness Book Of Records claim to fame - it is officially the smallest bar in Britain at a cosy 1.27m x 2.39m!

Established in the 17th century, the Dove has long been a haunt of celeb guests, including Graham Greene, Ernest Hemingway and A.P. Herbert (making it the perfect place to review these authors perhaps?!).

We visited on a slightly chilly day and so sat inside by the roaring log fire. There also happens to be a conservatory area and a patio by the river where you can relax on more summery days. The Dove is also a great spot to view the famous annual University Boat Race between Cambridge and Oxford.

The menu was extensive but we couldn't go past the traditional Sunday roasts that had all the trimmings including Yorkshire Pud. The servings were extremely generous and easily washed down with a couple of jugs of English Pimms.

The Waterway

54 Formosa Street, London, W9 2JU
www.thewaterway.co.uk
Ph. 020 7266 3557

Popular with its stylish, affluent locals this chic Maida Vale gastro-pub is always buzzing whatever the time of year. With an amazing waterside location overlooking the Grand Union Canal, the massive outside deck is a lovely place to be during the London Summertime. The cosy inside bar-lounge, with its comfy sofas and crackling fire, also makes it a great place to lunch on a Winter's Day.

Due to its beautiful canalside location, the Waterway is a great place to while away your Sunday morning reading the complimentary weekend papers and enjoying a coffee and pastry or two. Whilst the breakfast options are limited, the lunch ones aren't and they serve up a mean Sunday roast carvery with full trimmings.

The modern European menu changes with the season. Light salads, fresh fish and gourmet burgers cooked on the outside bbq are highlights of the Summer foodie scene. Whilst the traditional roast carvery and warm soups make it a great Winter lunch destination.

The only catch is the service, which struggles to cope with the large number of groups who take advantage of the long wooden tables on the outside deck. But thankfully, this is not a deal-breaker for such a fabulous find.