The Old City Arms

Welcoming Vibes, Pies Delight at River's Edge

Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting The Old City Arms, a worthy gem tucked away in Hammersmith, renowned for its comforting atmosphere and genuinely kindhearted staff. As I approached on foot, the pub presented itself as a sanctuary, radiating warm lights through its vintage windows. Inside, it exceeded expectations with bountiful smiles behind the well-worn bar, where Shamil, no stranger to customer satisfaction, attended to each patron with a genuine ease foreign to many bustling London pubs. Crucially, this comforting haven doesn't overpromise; it reassures regulars with simplicity, and viewers are never far from catching a casual game of football or engaging in traditional pub pastimes like darts and pool.

The food here does its part to celebrate basic, British pub grub without pretension—the much-cherished Mothership Pie emerges as an underdog favorite, notably gaining approval from the local pie aficionados. Vibrancy finds its seat across tables and beside the inviting game's room, which plays host to a motley crew of wayfarers sharing stories and laughter over frothy pints. For fellow roamers of London's riverbanks, this establishment lay somewhere just past the weathered scaffolding of Hammersmith Bridge, yet it thrives on every beer-loving explorer's pit stop list. Whether it be for gulping down perfectly poured Guinesses, hearty discussions over burgeoning football matches, or simply relishing Katie’s remarkable hospitality and charming demeanor, The Old City Arms is destined to tuck fondly into the creases of one's heart—a reminder of the richness found in London’s thriving neighborhood nooks. — Nigel Gourmet