The Lillie Langtry

Jo and Rupert Clevely sold their Geronimo Inns pub chain to Young’s in 2010 for a reported £60m, but the couple are now back in the trade operating as Hippo Inns – and this is the latest of their six-strong group. The new company’s successful signature mix of decent booze and good grub in comfy surrounds is evident here. Totally transformed, The Lillie now resembles the sitting room of a middle-class Fulham terrace. Kick back with classic cocktails, wines at around £20, or Sierra Nevada, Blue Moon and Goose Island Honkers beers. Bag brunch, daily until 3pm (soft-shell crab buns, perhaps, or broken eggs, Jersey royals and chorizo); otherwise, choose homemade trad bar snacks and crostini, salads, spit-roasted chickens, or mains that might include grilled sea trout with sour tomato salsa. Ices and stickies bring up the rear, and slap-up children’s meals are also available at this newly salubrious old slapper. 

There's an undeniable charm to West Brompton's The Lillie Langtree, a pub packed full of homely touches. Just a moment's walk from Earl's court station, The Lillie Langtree has long been a go-to food and drinks spot for those who live and work nearby when they want to unwind. Now part of the Hippo Inns group, the pub is looking slicker than ever and has an even more extensive menu to match.

The contemporary space at The Lillie Langtree balances chic decoration with the odd rustic touch to create a warm and welcoming setting. The main dining room features a mish-mash of banquettes, chairs and cosy sofas, while the first floor Victorian cocktail bar radiates luxury. The pub also benefits from two outdoor areas which are the ideal place to enjoy a few drinks. The front terrace area is lit up at night by a fairy light-clad tree, meanwhile the back yard benefits from heaters meaning that it can be used all year round.

The food menu is packed full of pub classics such as bubble and squeak, and chicken liver parfait with sourdough to start. You can expect hearty main courses including pan roasted seabass and the hippo burger which comes topped with cheese, bacon and red onion marmalade. Meanwhile, for dessert there's everything from sticky toffee pudding to chocolate brownie on offer. There are also a number of vegan and vegetarian options, as well as a separate children's menu, meaning that everyone is catered for at The Lillie Langtree.

Drinks-wise, an impressive wine list features a number of options by the glass and bottle. There's also a tempting selection of cocktails available including playful takes on classics, such as a salted caramel old fashioned. On top of this, there are also beers both on draft and from the bottle, as well as plenty of soft drink options too.