Best Mediterranean Cuisine Pubs

The Castlebar in Ealing has mastered that rare alchemy of being everything to everyone without losing its soul. Tucked away in this leafy corner of West London, it's the kind of place where you might pop in for a quick pint and somehow find yourself still there three hours later, surrounded by new friends and empty tapas plates, wondering why you've never visited before. Let's be honest - London isn't exactly short on pubs. But what sets The Castlebar apart is its chameleon-like ability to shape-shift throughout the day. In the morning, it's a sun-drenched brunch spot where the clink of coffee cups mingles with lazy weekend conversations. By afternoon, it transforms into a laid-back gastropub where City workers loosen their ties over craft beers and Mediterranean small plates. As evening descends, the energy ramps up, with cocktail shakers providing the percussion to whatever live music act has taken up residence that night. The space itself tells a story of thoughtful evolution. The traditional bones of a classic London pub remain intact, but they've been enhanced rather than erased. Original woodwork gleams beneath modern lighting, while the outdoor canopied section offers a year-round sanctuary for those seeking fresh air or a spot to enjoy their shisha. It's a masterclass in how to modernize a venue without sacrificing its character. Speaking of character, let's talk about the food because it's here where The Castlebar really flexes its creative muscles. The menu dances between British pub classics and Spanish-Mediterranean flair with surprising grace. Their tapas selection isn't just an afterthought - each dish arrives with the kind of presentation that makes phones emerge from pockets for impromptu photo sessions. The berry smoothies are Instagram-worthy too, though the real stars are the cocktails. Each one is crafted from scratch with the kind of attention to detail that makes you wonder if there's a mad scientist behind the bar instead of a mixologist. The atmosphere shifts with the natural rhythm of the day, but there's always an underlying buzz of conviviality. During big matches, the sports screens draw passionate crowds, yet somehow the space never feels like a traditional sports bar. Perhaps it's the way the different areas are zoned - you can be caught up in the excitement of a crucial game while others quietly enjoy their dinner just a few tables away. Price-wise, it sits comfortably in the sweet spot where quality meets value. You're not paying Central London prices, but the experience certainly rivals anything you'd find in Soho or Mayfair. The portion sizes are generous enough to justify the cost, and the cocktail prices feel fair given the craft that goes into each one. What really stands out is the staff's ability to read the room. They know when to be attentive and when to hang back, when to join in the banter and when to maintain professional distance. Yes, there might be the occasional raised eyebrow if you decline the service charge, but that's more the exception than the rule in an otherwise seamlessly professional operation. The Castlebar has become something of a community hub in Ealing, the kind of place where you're equally comfortable bringing your parents for Sunday lunch or your friends for Friday night cocktails. The dog-friendly policy adds another layer of neighborhood charm - don't be surprised to find yourself sharing your outdoor table with a friendly four-legged companion. Here's an insider tip: book ahead for weekend brunches - the secret is well and truly out about their morning offerings. And if you're planning on trying the shisha, bring cash - it's one of the few things they don't take cards for. The best tables in the canopied section go quickly on warm evenings, so either arrive early or call ahead to reserve. If you find yourself in Ealing wondering where to spend your evening, The Castlebar should be your first port of call. It's more than just another London pub - it's a testament to how versatile a modern British venue can be. Whether you're after a quiet afternoon pint, a vibrant evening of tapas and cocktails, or a place to catch the game with friends, you'll find your niche here. Just don't blame me if you end up staying longer than planned - it happens to the best of us.

Just what West London needs - another gastropub masquerading as a proper boozer. The Swan in London's Chiswick neighborhood seems determined to join the ranks of establishments where the closest thing to a proper pint is some craft IPA that costs more than my first car. And yet... I found myself reluctantly charmed by this Thames-adjacent tavern, despite my best efforts to maintain professional cynicism. Perhaps it was the way sunlight streams through the windows of the carefully maintained Victorian building, or maybe it was the surprisingly unpretentious welcome from staff who actually seem to enjoy their jobs (a rarity in London these days). The garden - and I use that term loosely, as most London pubs consider three plants and a wooden bench a "garden" - is actually rather lovely. It's the kind of space that makes you forget you're in the city, until a plane heading to Heathrow rudely reminds you. But The Swan has managed to create something that feels authentic rather than manufactured, which is more than I can say for most venues trying to capitalize on the outdoor dining trend. Let's talk about the food, shall we? The menu walks that precarious line between pub classics and contemporary fare without tumbling into the abyss of pretentiousness. Their Sunday roast (because what's a London pub review without mentioning the Sunday roast?) manages to be both traditional and noteworthy - no small feat in a city where every establishment claims to serve "the best roast in London." The beef is properly pink, the Yorkshire puddings aren't bearing any unfortunate resemblance to collapsed soufflés, and the roast potatoes actually taste like they've seen the inside of an oven rather than a microwave. The regular menu deserves mention too, though I'm slightly annoyed at how good it is. The calamari (yes, calamari in a pub - welcome to 2025) is surprisingly fresh and properly crispy, not those rubber bands in batter you get at lesser establishments. The lamb shank falls off the bone with appropriate dramatics, and the pasta dishes suggest someone in the kitchen actually knows their ragu from their ragout. What truly sets The Swan apart from London's endless parade of gastropubs is its ability to maintain its pub soul while serving food that wouldn't be out of place in a proper restaurant. The bar still feels like a place where you could order a pint without being judged for not selecting something with notes of "distant pine and pretension." They've managed to achieve that elusive balance between updating for modern tastes and preserving what makes a pub a pub. The pricing is what you'd expect for this part of London - which is to say, it's not cheap, but you won't need to remortgage your house for dinner and drinks. The portions are generous enough that you won't immediately need to stop for chips on the way home, which is more than can be said for some of its competitors. Service manages to hit that sweet spot between attentive and overbearing. Yes, they occasionally forget a starter or bring things in the wrong order, but they handle it with such genuine apology that it's hard to maintain any real irritation. It's refreshingly human in an era where many venues seem to be training their staff to behave like particularly enthusiastic robots. The crowd is a mix of locals who've been coming here since before it was "gastro" anything, young professionals pretending they can afford to live in Chiswick, and families taking advantage of the child-friendly policy. Somehow, it works. The atmosphere remains convivial rather than chaotic, even during peak Sunday lunch hours. Look, I wanted to dislike The Swan. I really did. London has enough gastropubs claiming to revolutionize the concept of pub dining. But this place has managed to do something rather special - it's evolved without losing its soul. The food is good enough to justify the prices, the drinks selection balances tradition with modern tastes, and the atmosphere makes you want to linger even after you've paid the bill. If you must venture to West London (and I suppose occasionally you must), The Swan offers a rather compelling reason to do so. Just don't blame me when you find yourself becoming one of those insufferable regulars who claims "their" table by the window. Book ahead for Sunday lunch, bring your dog if you have one, and prepare to be annoyingly impressed. Just try not to tell too many people about it - it's irritating enough having to admit I like the place myself.