Forum Topic

Ideas for a first date drink needed

On Friday I am meeting a gentleman friend for a drink. He needs to travel to and from on the Central Line so I thought meet up at Ealing B way  - or Shepherd's Bush. Any ideas for where I can take him?

Viv Ellis ● 5629d19 Comments

Wow! I am stunned! I am going to have to think about this one.Jaybee.

Jeff Belsen ● 5621d

Last December I wanted to treat all my staff (restaurant and therapy centre) to a traditional Christmas lunch so went to the Red Lion and Pineapple in Acton a week before and asked to book a table for 20. ''Sorry, you cant reserve tables'' I was told. So we went elsewhere. No wonder pubs are closing down.

David Archer ● 5622d

I've been twice now to the Duke of Kent, which is outside my normal area of operations, and have been suitably impressed by the staff, the beer, and the burger was pure lean meat - tasty by all considerations.  They currently have special ales in oak casts on offer.  You can always, it seems, find a place to sit either in the quite section or the lively section - your choice.

Charles Campbell ● 5622d

Oh Well! Everyone to their own, I guess. I live around the corner from the Red Lion and I have witnessed a number of violent incidents there: these days I go to Rose and Crown which seems to be somewhat less expensive for the same products and with much more polite staff. The Red Lion used to be my venue of choice several years ago, however, I find it rather threatening these days and the beer seems to be of somewhat variable quality generally.

Jeff Belsen ● 5622d

no, I never go to any pubs in Acton. I did mean the Red Lion in St Mary's Road and as I said, it's always been very pleasant.

Penny Crocker ● 5622d

There is nothing wrong with Wetherspons; the Red Lion and Pineapple in Acton by the Old Tram Depot is one of the best run pubs with the best rotating range of real ales in Ealing. Perhaps Penny Crocker (of earlier posting) has erroneously confused the Red Lion and Pineapply with the Red Lion on St. Mary's Road?

Jeff Belsen ● 5622d

I must wonder at this point whether Penny Crocker is an employee of the Red Lion or somehow related to the Fullers Brewery publicity department. The Red Lion is not only horrendously espensive (it is nice to hear that the new gastropub, the Grove, is undercutting it substantially now), however its clientele and staff leave much to be desired.

Jeff Belsen ● 5622d

Thanks Helen I will certainly be giving it a go!

Diane Gill ● 5623d

Been to the Grove a few times now & not only is it a vast improvement on Finnegans Wake (although nots not hard!!), its now one of my preferred pubs in Ealing.  Very well done up inside, nice wines and good food.  Hubby slightly disappointed with the lack of ale choice but happy with the IPA on offer.  Food is good and very reasonable - about £8 for a main (refreshing to see pub priced food in Ealing instead of the standard £10 + for a burger offered in most other pubs).Definitely recommend giving it a try.

Helen Smith ● 5624d

Talking of venues, has anyone been to the new Gastro Pub yet (well I think it is) called The Grove that has replaced Finnegans Wake on South Ealing Road?

Diane Gill ● 5624d

Well David - I left the choice to him. So he took me to Wetherspoons in Shepherd's Bush. I think I may have a little work to do ........

Viv Ellis ● 5624d

So Viv..where did you go and how did it go? (spill the beans)

David Archer ● 5625d

You were unlucky ! Never known such a thing in there in over 35 years

Penny Crocker ● 5625d

A very strange choice for a first date. I was in there the other night and frankly it was far from "genteel". A drunk electrician at the bar was waving a small razor around at one point and the service was appalling. Steer clear; I would suggest walking five minutes further down the round to the Rose and Crown which is run by the same brewer (Fullers) but charges significantly less for the same products. P.s. The toilets really stink in the Red Lion. Not one of Fullers' better efforts, this place.I would recommend the Jazz Night on Wednesday's at the Rose and Crown -- now that IS genteel!

Jeff Belsen ● 5625d

The Grange on Ealing Common is comfortable.  May be difficult to find a table,however, on a Friday evening unless arriving early.  The Common Room next to the Lantern Restaurant not to far from Ealing Common Station has more tables.  The Rose and Crown next to St.Mary's Church is very good but a bit of a walk from the Broadway. As someone mentioned, the pubs off Haven Green are close and pleasant.

Charles Campbell ● 5628d

well it was a good choice for you!! Yep that's the one

Viv Ellis ● 5629d

The one opp. Ealing Studios is called 'the Red Lion'. Went for my 1st date with my husband there. Has the benefit of old posters of all the stars on the walls, is fairly small and quiet and attracts a genteel crowd. i'd say it was a good choice.

Penny Crocker ● 5629d

Thanks Jane - I recall going to a nice pub opposite Ealing studios but I can't remember its name - and there's another even further down that road - but that would mean no heels!

Viv Ellis ● 5629d

I like the Kings Arms in The Grove.  It's off the beaten track. Ditto the Wheatsheaf in Haven Lane.

Jane Salisbury ● 5629d