The Andover Arms

Embedded in a bit of Hammersmith known as Brackenbury Village, the Andover has been here since the outset of the Victorian age. Its relationship with its neighbourhood is mutually beneficial, with locals drawn to its warm ambience, regular music events and community initiatives, as well as the sterling quality of its food. It's an agreeable scene indeed, with green wood panelling and Victorian photos, candles on the tables and potted plants – soothing natural tones amid the city's bustle. Dining could hardly be more informal: people drop in for nibbles, dipping whitebait in garlic mayo, ahead of big, serious burgers, pork chops or cod blitzed with pink peppercorns. Fillet steak cross-hatched from the chargrill, with a bunch of leaves, a cone of chips and salsa verde, is a meat course for the ages. Oysters in season are snapped up with abandon, by the dozen or as singletons, while old-school puds such as Pimm's Eton mess round things off. Carefully curated cask ales and regularly changing, mainly European wines form the backbone of the drinking options for thirsty locals.