Bars & Pubs

Spearheaded by Sam Harrison, a protégé of Rick Stein, who is also an investor, this Time Out award-winning bar and brasserie has gone from strength to strength since its opening in 2005. Set in a stunning converted Victorian industrial space behind Chiswick Green, Sam's has a slightly corporate feel. The original structure of the paper factory it once was is still evident, from the concrete floor to the original beams in the roof. Seating comes in the form of wooden chairs around small, round tables, and one sofa tucked away in a corner. It's sleek and contemporary rather than cosy or comfortable. The well-groomed staff are mostly helpful and friendly, although during busy times service can be excruciatingly slow. There's an extensive list of cocktails, predominantly of the martini variety (try a raspberry/lychee one, £7). On the beer front there's little to get excited about on draught but a choice of ten bottles including Bitburger, Bohemia, London Pride, Chalky's Bite and Pilsner Urquell, all under £4. The wine list is also impressive, with around 30 by the glass, including a sauvignon blanc and Australian red (both £5.25 a glass) from Rick Stein's own Tower Lodge Estate in the Hunter Valley, Australia. A choice of tasty bar snacks includes a plate of cheese washed down with a carafe of merlot to share (£15).

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9