West London is a total goldmine when it comes to characterful pubs, and The Carpenter's Arms is leading the charge. The latest addition to the Wren Pubs family, this 19th-century boozer re-opens this September, making it one to watch for locals and fans of the group, who have already made The Surprise and Walmer Castle must visit haunts.
Inside, the space has a rustic but retro aesthetic, with worn wooden floors and mis-matched vintage chairs, alongside anglepoise lamps and upcycled signage. Cosy, relaxed but definitely stylish, it's the perfect London pub. For the summer months, there's a lovely garden out back and for special occasions, a private dining room. Think rich, rust painted walls, cosy candlelight and well-placed lamps, alongside decorative plates on the wall and an Arts and Craft feel. Ideal for intimate suppers, you can host around 14 people here.
As for the menu, dishes change seasonally but you should definitely start with Botivo Spritz which mixes grapefruit juice, soda water and a grapefruit wedge, and a couple of snacks like Wiltshire cocktail sausages with wholegrain mustard, red pepper hummus with toasted flatbread or crispy squid with zingy lime mayonaisse.
For starters, you might try small plates like Cobble Lane Beef Bresaola and Cashel Blue cheese served with wild rocket, port reduction and black figs, or sea bass ceviche with cantaloupe, watermelon, cucumber, chilli, coriander cress and lime dressing.
Current mains look like the Somerset pork tomahawk served with grilled radicchio, a pineapple, chilli and coriander salsa and red wine jus, alongside herb crusted cod with peas, broad beans, pork lardons and asparagus fricassee and new potatoes. Personally, we like the sound of Ashdale beef onglet with lashings of peppercorn sauce as well as fries and a classic house salad.