The Bell & Crown, Chiswick

Riverside Bliss: Delicious Dining with Stunning Views

On a recent sojourn to the illustrious watering hole on the banks of the Thames, known to locals and timeworn patrons as The Bell & Crown, it became tantalizingly clear why this riverside pub draws both regulars and curious newcomers alike. Its rustic charm, enhanced with an atmospheric nod to historic London, beckons like a beacon to weary gastronomes seeking solace from the cacophony of city life. The establishment's pride lies not just in its superior location but in creating an ambiance that mimics the best grandma’s embrace — warm, inviting, and nostalgically comforting. Nestled among old-world artifacts, I found myself enchanted by the effortless grace with which the staff went about their business. They buzzed around diners with a familiar ease, sprinkling kind smiles like fairy dust, ensuring everyone felt exuberantly welcome.

My palate reveled in seasonal delights, helmed by the robust Sunday roast—among whose ranks stood a particularly vainglorious lamb, bedecked with mint sauce so glossy that it could have been a conversation piece at the Tate Modern. Equally striking was the verdant richness of the vegan bean chili, served atop a backdrop of the shimmering river views. It seemed almost theatrical that these culinary masterpieces emerged from a kitchen some might unimaginably dare to critique — fitting, perhaps, for culinary performance art that sometimes misremembers its cues. Should one stumble upon this pub without the gustatory prowess of a seasoned critic, let the libations guide; dive devoutly into their eclectic beer and wine menu while delighting in people-watching along the riverbanks. From sunset-soaked moments outdoors to the joyous conviviality inside, The Bell & Crown doesn’t just serve food and drink; it furnishes experiences – the sort worth scribbling home about or reserving a diary page to repeat soon. — Penelope Savory