No 197 Chiswick Fire Station (Bar)

Top 10 things you need to know about No 197 Chiswick Fire Station:

1) It is a refreshing addition to the chain restaurants that line Chiswick High Street. White awnings decorate the front of this converted fire station and this colour scheme, reminiscent of Santorini’s quaint white streets, continues through the open, airy bar and out into the back patio (which looks like the balcony of a holiday villa).

2) The functional structure, exposed metal ducts and concrete fixtures, are softened by wooden fireplaces, puckered, leather seating and decorated with cacti, flowers and imposing hanging lights. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how intimate and warm dining feels, despite the expansive space.

3) If you don’t live nearby, there is off-road parking directly outside, or Turnham Green station is a five-minute walk.

4) We can’t go any further without mentioning the bloody mary: hard-to-please fans won’t be disappointed by the refreshingly zesty mix of cucumber, basil, celery, chili and tabasco.

5) Other cocktails are available - like the summery pineapple and sage mojito, or elderflower and Earl Grey fizz - though only the bloody mary was talked about on the journey home.

6) The menu is a delightful mixture of nostalgic children’s party indulgences, British classics and the complex flavours of a sophisticated dinner party. You’ll dig into sticky honey and mustard glazed cocktail sausages to start, before putting your grown-up hat firmly back on for mains of steamed mussels, roasted Arctic char and roast chicken, fresh from the in-house rotisserie oven.

7) The sticky beef tacos with aioli are also worth mentioning, as is the deconstructed club sandwich, though allow breathing time between courses as portions are big but missing out on the raspberry posset with pistachio crumble would be a big foodie faux paus.

8) The atmosphere is anything but the emergency state the building was initially built for – the atmosphere is buzzy but laid-back and brunch here is a relaxed, but busy, affair – advanced booking is advised.

9) On a weeknight the crowd are well-dressed food-loving young professionals, making the most out of their spare time, while the weekend attracts leisurely brunch goers and couples.

10) The waiters are attentive, friendly and dressed like a 90’s boyband without the bleached ends – all wearing matching jeans and shirts – aside from the general manager, Damian, whose wide-smile and enthusiasm for the bar is perhaps one it’s biggest adverts. ...read more