The Pear Tree

Charming UK Pub with Hidden Garden Oasis

Tucked away between Fulham and Hammersmith lies The Pear Tree, a delightful gem of a pub that defies the quintessential British public house cliché. As someone with a finely tuned radar for exceptional pubs, wandering into this little hideaway felt akin to finding a rare vintage record at a charity shop. It’s that sense of warm felicity you catch when you know you've struck something singularly special. The staff, led by the ever-gracious Gideon, nailed it on the service front, blending charm with a cocktail finesse that puts London's more pretentious gastro-pubs to shame. There's this winning Mexican twist in the kitchen—a touch of South of the Border mixed with British pub staples—which, admittedly, brings a smile wider than an after-dinner tequila grin.

It should be noted, however, that The Pear Tree isn’t unscathed by the odd debacle. A regrettable incident involving a testy gardener who's failed to leaf his temperament outside left some family-centric patrons feeling prickly. Oh dear. Yet, let us prune past petty plantsmanship, and acknowledge that The Pear Tree offers a more gilded experience. Its precious garden and Victorian Pre-Raphaelite-y interiors take you by surprise, wrapping customers in cosiness and history-induced comfort. The grotto of bottled cider variety is another feather in its cap, although draught options could do with a dash more pizzazz. For all London's sometimes-grandiose dining establishments, few manage to marry atmosphere with punter-pleasing cuisine so delightfully. The Pear Tree does. So pop in for a flutter on quiz night, or just linger longer over burritos that unexpectedly capture the spirit of San Francisco with every mouthful. — Milo Tastemaker