Hare & Hounds

Exceptional Garden Pub for Families & Dogs

If there was ever a place that effortlessly marries the quintessential charm of a classic British pub with the familial warmth of a community gathering spot, it's the Hare & Hounds in East Sheen. The sprawling outdoor garden is nothing short of a local legend—the perfect sanctuary for summer imbibing or for watching a big game with fellow fans. Dogs gamboling amiably, staff dotting about like bespectacled meerkats, and even charmingly snug little nooks ensure there's a spot for every occasion. My fellow diners nestled into these pod-like shelters cheerfully exchanged banter amidst heavenly Sunday roasts—"fabulous sides!" posthumously complimented reverberated around me as lips were blissfully smacking.

Food? Ah, like a Shakespearean love sonnet sung to beef burgers and perfectly crisp fish and chips. The heart-stopping ensemble of mackerel pâté starter, steak burger adorned with short ribs, and grilled chicken burger demanded a standing ovation (and perhaps an appreciative nap afterward). Kudos to Chef Carlos, whose deft touch left palates pleading for encore appearances. 'Carlos for Prime Minister!' I thought, as I salivated absentmindedly. Disappointments were few—a point of distinction among those who quibble over lukewarm beer or less dance-inducing doses of hospitality—but the general consensus remains: for revelry both rambunctious and reflective, styled under an ever-dapper cloak of British comfort, the Hare & Hounds deserves its rightful status as a cherished haunt. — Milo Tastemaker