Black Lion

If pubs could tell stories, the Black Lion in London would be Shakespeare with a pint in hand. Perched near the Thames in Hammersmith like a watchful guardian since 1754, this isn't just another London watering hole – it's a time machine disguised as a pub, complete with ghost stories, literary connections, and enough character to fill a Charles Dickens novel.

Let's talk about that ghost story, shall we? Back in 1804, this very pub hosted the inquest for one of London's most bizarre incidents – when a jumpy local shot a bricklayer, mistaking him for the infamous "Hammersmith ghost." It's the kind of tale that makes your pint taste just a bit more interesting, especially when you're cozied up near one of the pub's original fireplaces on a foggy London evening.

The Black Lion doesn't just rest on its historical laurels, though. Step inside, and you'll find yourself in what feels like the world's most welcoming time capsule. The boarded floor creaks beneath your feet in that satisfying way that only centuries-old wood can manage, while tartan-upholstered chairs invite you to sink in and stay awhile. There's something genuinely special about how this place balances its historical gravitas with a "kick off your shoes and stay awhile" vibe.

The bar itself is a thing of beauty, running along the front of the pub like a well-polished stage where liquid stories unfold. Four rotating cask ales share space with contemporary craft offerings and familiar favorites, creating a drinks menu that's both accessible and interesting. The prices won't make your wallet weep – you're looking at standard London pub rates that feel fair for the experience you're getting.

Speaking of experiences, let's talk about that garden. Oh, that garden. When London graces us with sunshine, the Black Lion's outdoor space transforms into something approaching paradise. With its covered areas, BBQ setup, and pizza kitchen, it's the kind of space that makes you cancel all your evening plans. One minute you're stopping in for a quick pint, the next you're three hours deep into what locals swear serves some of the best pub grub in West London.

The food menu deserves its own paragraph of praise. While it doesn't try to reinvent the wheel, it certainly makes sure that wheel is polished to perfection. The Sunday roasts have achieved near-legendary status among locals, and the fish and chips – while not cheap at £19 – consistently draws satisfied sighs from corners of the pub. The kitchen team has mastered that delicate balance between pub classics and contemporary touches, with portions generous enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetite.

What really sets the Black Lion apart, though, is its soul. This is a pub that remembers it's as much a community living room as it is a business. The staff – who manage to be both professional and genuinely friendly – seem to understand they're custodians of something special. They'll chat about the pub's history, recommend the perfect pint, or simply leave you in peace to soak up the atmosphere.

For literary buffs, the connection to A.P. Herbert (whose portrait watches over proceedings like a benevolent pub guardian) adds another layer of intrigue. The author featured the Black Lion in his novel "The Water Gypsies," and sitting here, it's easy to see why the place inspired him. There's something inherently story-worthy about every corner.

The former skittle alley, now transformed into a function room, speaks to how the pub has evolved while keeping its character intact. It's the perfect metaphor for the Black Lion itself – historically rich but not stuck in the past, traditional but not fusty, characterful but not gimmicky.

Here's the thing about the Black Lion in London – it's not trying to be the trendiest spot in Hammersmith, and that's exactly why it works. It's authentic, welcoming, and confident in what it offers. Whether you're a history buff, a food lover, or just someone in search of a proper London pub experience, the Black Lion delivers. Pop in for a pint, stay for the stories, and don't be surprised if you find yourself becoming part of the pub's continuing narrative. After all, the best chapters in the Black Lion's story are still being written – why not make sure you're in them?