Last Updated on September 22, 2024
Fantastic pub grub in boujie Chiswick
Housed within the walls of a historic Victorian police station, a self-styled modern-day coaching inn – is upping the ante for pub grub in boujie Chiswick. Located in the heart of the High Street, The Hound is a sibling to The George and The Cadogan Arms. With James Knappett, of Fitzrovia’s two Michelin-starred Kitchen Table and Bubbledogs (the posh hot dog and fizz spot), as Culinary Director, we were eager to explore, especially as I’m a local.
The Hound was remarkably busy and lively on the Wednesday evening of our visit. This handsome pub features wood-panelled walls, black leather banquettes, crimson velvet chairs, and a mix of wood and marble-topped tables.
The main private dining room is perfect for gatherings of up to 18 guests and has a unique charm with its exposed brick ceiling, which comes from combining three old prison cells – what a fun throwback to its storied past! Adjacent are two wine cellars still boasting their original jail bars and doors.
Catch all the live sports action on TVs scattered throughout the pub and courtyard. The private dining room, known as ‘The Green Room,’ even has a large projector screen for the ultimate group viewing experience. Plus, The Hound has just opened our boutique guest rooms right above the pub, making it an ideal spot for a London getaway.
We sat in the covered courtyard, an extension of the indoor area that offers an ‘outdoor-indoor’ feel while being well-equipped with heaters for cooler weather and a retractable glass roof for warm summer days. The space is enlivened by large potted olive trees, climbing wall plants, Yorkshire stone paving, and charming fairy lights.
I kicked off the evening with a cocktail from the tempting Market Specials. My Beeswax Negroni was crafted with Chase Elderflower Gin, Cocchi Torino, Campari, and a Beesou Honey Aperitif, and bottled in beeswax – floral, smooth, and with just the right touch of sweetness to balance the bitterness. My companion chose the alcohol-free Tropical Spritz—Botivo Bitter, homemade pineapple cordial, and Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic—refreshing, with a well-balanced sweetness and a tonic bite. The Hound offers an extensive wine list, and we paired our meal with a couple of glasses of Alvarinho Escolha, Quinta de Azevedo, Vinho Verde, Portugal, 2023—grassy, citrusy, with notes of mineral and gooseberry.
The menu is divided into several sections: Snacks and Starters, Sandwiches (including the famed hotdog!), Mains, Sides, and Desserts. They also offer a feast menu for meat-eaters and vegetarians, but it must be ordered 72 hours before. To start, we shared excellent home-cured salmon with light, whipped elderflower crème fraiche and a piquant shallot and cucumber relish, served alongside thinly sliced Irish soda bread. The salt cod croquettes, paired with lemon aioli and coriander, were hot, crisp, and irresistibly fluffy.
Moving on …my flat iron steak arrived perfectly cooked, tender, and sliced, served with crisp skinny fries, fresh watercress, and a light, creamy whisky peppercorn sauce. A well-dressed green salad of lettuce and herbs added a refreshing touch.
My companion’s pea and Ticklemore risotto, adorned with vibrant mint oil, toasted cashews, and lemon, was a fabulous blend of textures and flavours. The rice had just the right level of bite and crunch, while the richness of the cashews was perfectly balanced by the acidity of the lemon and the freshness of the mint. The Ticklemore cheese added a wonderfully gooey indulgence.
Finally, I was thrilled to spot polenta cake on the menu—one of my current obsessions! This light and grainy cake was soaked in sweet orange syrup and topped with spiced poached figs and a dollop of crème fraiche. It was an excellent end to a delicious meal!
The Hound is a fantastic addition to this bustling area and is sure to be filled with happy Chiswick locals for a long time to come, whether it’s for lunch, dinner, a light snack, or a sumptuous Sunday roast.
The Hound
210 Chiswick High Road,
Chiswick,
London W4 1PD
