The Pear Tree

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Tucked away on a quiet residential street The Pear Tree is very much a local pub. The bar area is old fashioned in the extreme (how long the floral carpet has been there I wouldn't like to guess!) but it is informal and charming - very much like the staff who seem to be as quirky and delightful as The Pear Tree itself.

The small pub is divided into three areas. The front, which houses the horseshoe bar and a collection of mismatched tables and chairs with cosy cushions and candles. Then there is a slightly random back room between the bar and the garden. Here you can eat at a collection of tables covered in blue and white check cloths. There's a curtained off area in the corner with a sign saying "Gents" above. I didn't investigate further but I'm assuming it led to a passage or stairs rather than a urinal in the corner of the room!

Finally, the jewel in The Pear Tree's crown, the garden. Much like the pub itself, the garden is tiny and rather ramshackle but with an undeniable charm.  There's a bizarre mixture of tables and chairs, including a couple of old wing chairs, with candles everywhere and lanterns hanging in trees. But for romance, it's got to be the curtained off "den" complete with low level lounging and all the privacy required for an amorous evening!

The food is far above average for a local pub and is served on a whimsical selection of mismatched china and enamel, with the water arriving in a whisky decanter. It really is the best of both worlds - restaurant quality food in quirky and relaxed environment.

                

On our visit we ate fishcakes and a deliciously fresh pea and spring onion risotto. This was supplemented by a scotch egg (surrounded by black pudding) after my boyfriend saw one being glamorously paraded round the garden by a pretty waitress.

Sadly we had to rush off at the end of our meal (to the Hammersmith Apollo, which The Pear Tree makes and excellent pre-gig venue for) but if you can hang around then we recommend grabbing one of the blankets that are dotted about and settling in with another bottle of wine. The Pear Tree is so relaxed and inviting you won’t want to leave…

I for one can't wait to go back. Thank you Felix for the recommendation!