The Distillers - Hammersmith - Pub Reviews

Nestled along the bustling Fulham Palace Road in Hammersmith, The Distillers stands out as a vibrant and welcoming pub with a contemporary edge. It’s known as “Hammersmith’s home of craft beer,” living up to that title by serving quality brews in a lively atmosphere. Owned and operated by Fuller’s, the pub embodies the brewery’s reputation for excellent beers, hearty food, and a community-focused ethos. While The Distillers isn’t historic in the centuries-old sense, it is deeply rooted in the local neighbourhood – a corner pub with a distinctive curved frontage and even some original 1906 glasswork inside, hinting at its early 20th-century heritage. Over the years (especially after a 2018 refurbishment), it has evolved into a go-to hub for social gatherings, live entertainment, and good cheer, all under one roof.

Walk through the doors and you’ll encounter a delightfully diverse clientele. On any given visit, local families might be enjoying a relaxed meal, professionals pop in for a post-work pint, and sports fans gather for the big match on TV. The pub’s dog-friendly policy and accessible facilities (including a wheelchair-accessible WC) make it a welcoming spot for all. The team behind the bar takes pride in making newcomers feel like regulars. In fact, The Distillers currently enjoys a strong customer rating (around 4.2 out of 5 stars), reflecting a positive reputation for its atmosphere, food, and service. Opening hours are convenient as well – from 11:00 AM daily, with closing times at 11:00 PM Monday–Wednesday, 11:30 PM on Thursday, stretching to 1:00 AM on Friday and Saturday, and 10:30 PM on Sundays. In short, whether you’re dropping by for lunch or lingering late, this pub has you covered.

Facilities & Entertainment

The Distillers offers a cosy-meets-modern setting with a focus on socialising and entertainment, all while steering away from the typical pub games. On-site parking is not available (quite normal for urban London), but there is street parking in the vicinity and a public lot nearby if you do drive. Inside, you won’t find dartboards or pool tables – the vibe here leans more towards communal mingling and enjoying the ambiance rather than bar sports. What you will find are big screens featuring live sports: the pub subscribes to both TNT Sports and Sky TV, so you can catch major football, rugby, or F1 events in good company. On game nights, expect a lively buzz as fans cheer on their teams (without tipping into the rowdiness of a dedicated sports bar). The absence of constant loud music or arcade machines means conversation can flow easily on non-match days.

One standout feature is the pub’s upstairs function room, a charming event space equipped with its own private bar and even a small stage. This room hosts an array of events – from comedy nights to live music performances – and is available for private hire as well. The presence of a stage means you might stumble upon an open-mic night or a local band gig, giving the venue a cultural flair beyond your average pub. Downstairs, for those who prefer a bit of fresh air, The Distillers boasts a spacious beer garden at the rear. In fact, the garden is often cited as one of the pub’s best assets: a partly covered outdoor patio decked out with plenty of seating. Come summer, it really shines – there’s even an outdoor bar and BBQ area in the beer garden, making it perfect for al-fresco pints and grilled bites on a sunny afternoon. It’s a beer garden for all seasons too; on cooler evenings heaters and coverings provide comfort, so you can enjoy the outdoor vibe year-round. Overall, the facilities strike a balance between modern convenience and laid-back comfort, creating an environment oriented more toward mingling, relaxing, and enjoying live entertainment than flashy gadgets. Board games are available if you’re up for some low-key fun at your table, but the real entertainment here comes from the convivial atmosphere and the events the pub organises.

Food on Offer

The Distillers serves up a menu of classic pub fare with a modern twist, and it’s safe to say you won’t leave hungry. Think hearty, comforting dishes executed with care. Traditional British pub classics feature prominently – for example, their hand-battered fish and chips comes out hot and crispy, and the burgers (beef or chicken) are juicy and generously loaded. At the same time, the kitchen shows creativity with some innovative dishes and seasonal specials. You might find a twist on a classic, like beer-marinated barbecue ribs in summer or a spiced butternut squash salad in autumn. Importantly, the menu is inclusive: there are vegetarian and vegan options that are more than just afterthoughts. The plant-based burger, for instance, is crafted to satisfy, and dishes like a hearty lentil pie or a falafel wrap make sure non-meat eaters have tasty choices as well.

One highlight that many patrons rave about is the Sunday roast. The Distillers has built a bit of a reputation for its Sunday roasts – a must-try if you’re visiting at the end of the week. On Sundays, they serve up a generously portioned roast dinner complete with all the trimmings. Expect succulent roast meat (often a choice of beef, chicken, or pork, and a nut roast or similar for vegetarians) accompanied by golden roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, rich gravy, and a proper Yorkshire pudding. Regulars note that the roasts here are expertly prepared – meats tender, veg cooked just right – truly hitting that sweet spot of home style comfort. It’s popular enough that roasts can sometimes sell out by late afternoon, so it’s wise to arrive on the earlier side of Sunday if you have your heart set on one. Beyond the roast, the everyday menu caters to most cravings. Lighter bites like salt-and-pepper calamari or chunky chips are on hand for snacking, while mains rotate seasonally to keep things interesting. Portions are hearty, and kids have their own menu too, making this a family-friendly dining spot. In essence, The Distillers manages to deliver unpretentious pub food done well – the kind of dishes that pair perfectly with a pint and good company.

Beers on Tap

True to Fuller’s pedigree, The Distillers takes its beer seriously. The bar features an appealing mix of traditional ales and modern craft brews, ensuring that beer enthusiasts of all stripes will find something they like. As a Fuller’s establishment, you can usually count on their flagship ale – London Pride – as a regular fixture on the hand-pump taps. This classic amber ale is a staple for many, and here it’s kept in tip-top condition. Alongside the regular brew, there are two rotating cask selections that keep the beer line-up dynamic. These rotating ales often showcase offerings from Fuller’s extended family and friends: Dark Star ales (like the hop-forward Hophead or other seasonal brews from the Sussex-based brewery) make frequent appearances, as does Rebellion beer (for example, the malty Rebellion Smuggler has been known to grace the taps). Essentially, if you’re an ale aficionado, there’s often something new or interesting to try on cask.

In addition to the cask ales, The Distillers boasts a curated range of craft and mainstream lagers and keg beers. As part of its 2018 revamp, it became a “Frontier Hero” pub for Fuller’s – meaning it installed shiny brewery-fresh tanks of Frontier lager, a crisp craft lager that travels just a couple miles from Fuller’s brewery to the pub. A pint of Frontier here is about as fresh as you’ll get in London, and it’s a hit among lager drinkers. You’ll also find popular draught options like Camden Hells, Peroni, or Neck Oil IPA on rotation, plus occasional guest kegs from craft breweries (Siren, Beavertown, and others make cameo appearances, as the Untappd feed often shows). The bottle and can selection is nothing to sneeze at either – a fridge stocked with craft IPAs, fruity ciders, and alcohol-free beers provides even more variety. Not into beer? The Distillers has you covered with a well-chosen wine list, a handful of classic cocktails, and all the usual spirits. But it’s those well-kept ales and the rotating taps that truly shine, underscoring the pub’s commitment to delivering a great pint. The staff are quite knowledgeable about the beers on offer – don’t hesitate to ask for a recommendation if you’re feeling indecisive. They’ll happily let you know what’s new, what’s popular, or even offer a small taste of a brew if you’re unsure. For a beer lover in Hammersmith, The Distillers is something of a mini paradise.

Price Range & Value

By London standards, The Distillers falls into a reasonable mid-range (££) price category, offering solid value for the quality and location. Given that this is a busy Hammersmith pub (just minutes from a major venue and transport hub), prices are what you’d expect – not a bargain-basement dive, but fair for what you get. Pints of beer here generally range around the £5–£7 mark depending on your choice. A standard ale like London Pride will be on the lower end of that range (hovering near a fiver), whereas a stronger imported craft beer or a fancy lager might reach closer to £6–7. These prices are in line with other pubs in the area, and importantly, the pints are well looked-after, so patrons feel they get their money’s worth in taste and quality.

For food, most main dishes run between roughly £12–£16, which is again quite standard for a freshly cooked meal in central-west London. For example, a big beer-battered fish and chips or the indulgent house burger with chips will come in around that £13–£15 range. Appetisers and smaller bites are often under a tenner, and the generous Sunday roast (with all the extras) may be a bit above £16 if it’s a premium cut of meat, but still good value given the portion size. There’s also a kids’ menu with lower prices for the little ones. Value for money is a theme that comes up in customer feedback: you might find slightly cheaper pints at a no-frills chain pub, but at The Distillers you’re paying for quality ingredients and a great environment. Most visitors feel that a hearty meal plus a quality ale here is money well spent. There aren’t sneaky service charges added for bar orders, and tipping is entirely at your discretion (though the friendly service may inspire you to drop some change in the tip jar). One thing to note: this pub’s popularity during peak times can mean things like the Sunday roast selling out, or certain high-end craft beers running dry by late evening – a testament to their demand. Overall, though, no one’s getting price-gouged here; regulars and newcomers alike find the pricing fair for central London, especially considering the consistent quality on offer.

Customer Service

Step into The Distillers and you’ll likely be greeted with a smile – the customer service here helps set the genial tone. This pub has a bit of a family-run spirit under the Fuller’s umbrella, and many staff members have been part of the team for years. Reviews frequently praise the staff’s friendly and attentive nature, noting that they manage to be swift with service while still being warm and personable. In my experience and through word-of-mouth, from the moment you approach the bar, you’re looked after promptly. The bartenders are chatty (when the queue isn’t too long) and genuinely welcoming, happy to recommend a beer or help you choose a dish. They have a knack for remembering regulars’ names and orders, which adds a lovely personal touch to repeat visits.

Even when the pub gets busy – and it does, particularly during Friday happy hour or right before a Hammersmith Apollo show – the staff handle the rush with commendable efficiency. There may be a short wait to get a drink in the thick of a crowd, but the team works in sync to keep things moving. Food orders are delivered with minimal delay considering the kitchen’s constant buzz. If something isn’t right, they’re quick to fix it without fuss. Little gestures, like bringing water for your dog or checking back to ensure your meal is satisfactory, go a long way in making patrons feel valued. Of course, as with any popular venue, minor delays can happen at peak times – you might wait a few extra minutes for that pint when the bar is three-deep with customers, or it might take a tad longer for dirty glasses to be cleared when the garden is jam-packed on a sunny day. However, these are usually exceptions to an otherwise smooth operation. The general consensus is that service at The Distillers is top-notch for a pub of its busy nature. It’s the kind of place where staff seem to genuinely enjoy what they do, and that positive energy rubs off on the clientele. Whether it’s a quiet weekday lunch or a roaring Saturday night, the team’s blend of professionalism and good humour leaves a strong, positive impression.

Events & Special Nights

When it comes to events, The Distillers knows how to keep things interesting. The pub hosts a vibrant events calendar that gives a little something extra to its patrons throughout the week. For starters, weekly quiz nights are a big draw – typically one evening a week (often a Tuesday or Wednesday), the pub fills up with trivia enthusiasts forming teams to compete in a friendly quiz. It’s a fun, lively affair with a mix of easy and brain-teasing questions, and usually some prizes in the mix (often times bar tabs or bottles of wine for the winners). The quiz night injects a great communal energy, as regulars and newcomers alike bond over quiz sheets and banter.

Live music is another staple. Acoustic nights and open-mic sessions occur regularly, showcasing local talent. In fact, Wednesday nights have become known for an open-mic music session branded “Acoustify” where budding singers and musicians perform for a supportive crowd. Additionally, The Distillers is home to LOLipops Comedy nights – a recurring comedy event featuring up-and-coming stand-up comedians that has gained a loyal following (the pub’s social media often hypes these nights, and they tend to pack the upstairs room). It’s a real treat to be able to grab a drink and head upstairs to laugh at fresh comedy acts in such an intimate setting. Beyond these, expect occasional live band performances on weekends – anything from a soulful jazz trio to a rocking cover band might take the small stage upstairs or a corner of the main bar, turning an ordinary evening into a mini concert.

The Distillers also makes use of its space for private functions. That upstairs function room with its own bar and stage isn’t just for pub-organised events – it’s available to book for birthday parties, corporate events, or any excuse for a gathering. It’s a popular choice for locals who want a convenient Hammersmith location with character; the pub provides catering options and can even arrange live entertainment for your event if desired. The flexibility of having an extra room means that even if a private event is happening upstairs, regular pub-goers can continue their evening downstairs unaffected – though sometimes you’ll hear the joyful spillover of a birthday singalong from above.

Seasonal and themed events get a lot of love here too. Holiday celebrations such as St. Patrick’s Day or Halloween see the pub decked out in decorations and often feature speciality drinks (green beer, anyone?) or themed food specials. Oktoberfest is another festive occasion – in past years The Distillers has put on Oktoberfest events with German beers on tap, bratwurst on the grill, and staff in Bavarian outfits, creating a fun, beery atmosphere that patrons rave about. During major sports tournaments (World Cup, Six Nations, etc.), the pub ramps up the camaraderie by showing the matches and sometimes offering special deals (like a free round of shots when England scores). Do note, though, that The Distillers isn’t a dedicated sports bar, so while they do show games, the sound might be secondary to the ambiance unless it’s a big final – which is often just the right balance for most of the crowd. All in all, the pub’s event offerings underscore its role as a community hub. There’s usually something interesting on the calendar, turning a simple trip to the pub into a memorable event night. Keep an eye on their chalkboard or social media for the latest schedule – whether you’re into quizzes, live tunes, comedy, or themed parties, The Distillers likely has a night for you.

Atmosphere & Accessibility

Step inside The Distillers and you’ll find an atmosphere that artfully blends modern chic with traditional pub comfort. The interior is airy and well-lit, thanks in part to the lighter touches from the recent refurbishment (think contemporary light fixtures and splashes of colour), yet it still retains a cosy warmth. Exposed brick walls, wooden flooring, and a long polished bar give that classic pub feel, while plush seating and quirky decor accents add a modern twist. In one corner you might notice a comfy leather armchair by a bookshelf, in another, high stools gather around repurposed barrel tables. The layout provides a mix of options: nooks and crannies for those who want a quiet chat, as well as open areas where larger groups can congregate. Despite being one of the area’s larger pubs, The Distillers cleverly uses partitions and furniture to break up the space, so it doesn’t feel like a cavernous hall. On colder days, if you’re lucky, you might snag a spot near the fireplace – yes, they have a decorative fireplace that, when lit in winter, makes your stout by the fire feel extra authentic.

As evening sets in, the pub’s energy naturally ramps up. After work on weekdays, you’ll find a pleasant bustle of locals unwinding – there’s background music (usually a crowd-pleasing mix of classic rock, indie, and pop at a modest volume) and the happy murmur of conversation. It’s lively but not overbearing; you can chat comfortably without shouting. On event nights or when a big match is on, the excitement adds a buzz – for example, laughter from the comedy night upstairs might drift down, or a cheer might erupt when a goal is scored on screen. Yet, interestingly, because The Distillers isn’t just one big open room, the various sections each maintain their own vibe. If you prefer a quieter setting, you can usually find a snug spot away from the main screen or the bar. Conversely, if you’re looking for a social vibe, hanging out by the central bar or in the beer garden will plug you right into the friendly hubbub.

Speaking of the beer garden, it’s a notable part of the atmosphere. When weather permits, the garden becomes a favourite hangout: fairy lights strung overhead, the scent of barbecue in the air (on summer weekends they often fire up that BBQ grill), and plenty of communal tables create a convivial outdoor pub experience. It’s relatively large for a London pub garden and somewhat tucked away from the traffic of Fulham Palace Road, which gives it a nice secluded feel despite the urban location. Many a lazy Sunday afternoon has been spent out there over pints and roast dinners. The front of the pub also sometimes features a few tables on the pavement – perfect for people-watching or catching some sun with your drink.

In terms of accessibility, The Distillers has made commendable efforts given the building constraints. The main entrance is essentially level with the street, making wheelchair access into the ground floor feasible (no big steps to worry about). Once inside, the ground floor is all one level, including access to a disabled-friendly WC on the same level – a crucial convenience many older pubs lack. The interior spacing is generally okay for manoeuvrability; however, on very busy nights the pathways can get a bit tight with standing patrons. The staff are very helpful in this regard – they’ll gladly assist by carrying drinks to a table or finding a more accessible spot if needed. Do note that the upstairs function room is only reachable via a staircase (there’s no elevator), which could be a limitation for those with mobility issues if you’re attending an event up there. Fortunately, most of the pub’s everyday action (and all the food and drink service) is centred on the ground floor. Families with strollers will find space to park the buggy, especially earlier in the day when it’s less crowded, and as mentioned, there’s a baby-changing facility available. The pub is also dog-friendly, so you’ll occasionally see a well-behaved pup curled under a table (water bowls and treats are often available – the staff love their four-legged visitors). All these elements contribute to a welcoming atmosphere where everyone can feel comfortable.

Overall, the ambiance at The Distillers is warm, lively, and inclusive. It manages to be many things at once: a sporty hangout during big games, a laid-back lounge for a quiet pint, and a spirited venue on music or comedy nights. Yet it transitions between these modes seamlessly, maintaining a friendly neighbourhood pub character throughout. Whether you’re sipping a ale by the bar, enjoying a meal with family, or mingling in the beer garden on a summer evening, The Distillers envelops you in that classic pub cosiness with a modern, Hammersmith twist.

Location & Nearby Attractions

One of The Distillers’ great strengths is its prime location in Hammersmith. The pub sits at 64 Fulham Palace Road (W6), practically a stone’s throw from the Hammersmith Broadway hub. This means it’s extremely easy to reach – Hammersmith Tube station (served by the District, Piccadilly, and Hammersmith & City lines) is only a 2-3 minute walk away, making The Distillers one of the area’s most convenient meeting spots. Numerous bus routes criss-cross the area as well, so public transport is definitely the way to go (spare yourself the headache of driving in – and enjoy that extra pint!). If you do drive, as mentioned, there’s some street parking in the side roads and a paid lot at the nearby King’s Mall, but availability can be hit-or-miss. Given the pub’s central location, it shines as a meetup point for groups coming from various parts of the city – you can say “see you at The Distillers” and everyone will find it easily.

The pub’s location is not just convenient, it’s also surrounded by attractions and activities. Foremost, the famous Eventim Apollo (Hammersmith Apollo) is literally around the corner – only a few hundred meters away. The Distillers capitalises on this by being the perfect pre-show and post-show watering hole. Going to see a concert or comedy gig at the Apollo? You’ll find many like-minded show-goers grabbing burgers and pints here beforehand, and afterwards the pub often fills up with excited chatter about the performance. (The management even notes this on their site – inviting you to pop in for those “pre or post-gig pints”.) Also nearby is the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith, another cultural venue offering plays and more, just up by the Broadway. So if you’re on a culture crawl, The Distillers makes a great intermission stop.

For those looking to explore the area, you’re spoiled for choice. Head a few minutes south from the pub and you’ll hit the River Thames. A short walk down Chancellor’s Road brings you to the riverside, where you can stroll along the scenic Thames Path. In one direction, you’ll see Hammersmith Bridge (one of London’s iconic bridges), and in the other, you can wander towards Fulham’s picturesque riverside. Along the river by Hammersmith are some historic pubs (like The Dove and The Blue Anchor) if you fancy a little pub crawl with a view. But even without wandering far, the immediate area offers plenty: Hammersmith Broadway shopping centre for retail needs, a bevy of restaurants covering every cuisine on King Street and around, and even a weekly street food market in Lyric Square. If you venture a bit further north up Fulham Palace Road, you reach Charing Cross Hospital and the beginning of the Fulham neighbourhood. To the west, the massive Westfield London shopping mall is only a couple of tube stops or a short bus ride away, if a shopping spree is on your agenda.

Back to The Distillers itself, its location on Fulham Palace Road means it also caters to the daytime crowd. Office workers from nearby businesses drop in for lunch or after-work drinks, and hospital staff from Charing Cross sometimes come by to decompress. The pub is kind of at the crossroads of Hammersmith, where several worlds meet: the entertainment district (Apollo, Lyric), the corporate cluster (various offices and a big conference venue nearby), and residential zones. This gives it a unique energy. And practically speaking, if you have friends or family staying in Hammersmith or neighbouring Kensington, meeting at The Distillers is a breeze.

For tourists, Hammersmith is a gateway to west London – you can easily hop on the tube to hit the museums in South Kensington (10 minutes away) or even Heathrow Airport (a 30-minute ride), so if The Distillers is your “local” while lodging here, you’re in a strategic spot. Just remember, if you plan to drive in, parking is scarce on Fulham Palace Road – better to use the excellent public transport or a taxi. All said, the location of The Distillers perfectly complements its offerings: it’s in the thick of things, accessible and buzzing, making it not just a pub but a starting (or ending) point for a great day or night out in Hammersmith.

Overall Impression

The Distillers in Hammersmith delivers a pub experience that hits that sweet spot between traditional charm and modern vibrancy. After spending ample time here, it’s clear why this pub has become a beloved fixture of the community. On one hand, it offers everything you’d want from a classic London pub: well-kept ales, satisfying comfort food, a cosy ambiance, and staff who remember your name. On the other hand, it brings a fresh, contemporary energy with its craft beer selection, eclectic events, and a diverse crowd that keeps the place feeling dynamic. It’s the kind of pub where you can watch the big game on Saturday, enjoy a peaceful pint on Sunday, then come back Wednesday for an open-mic night – and each experience feels just right.

A few quirks are worth mentioning, though they hardly diminish the overall experience. The pub’s popularity means it can get very busy at peak times – Friday nights or when there’s a major event on, be prepared for a bustling scene. Space can be at a premium then, so snagging a table might require timely arrival or polite vigilance. Also, if you’re seeking a super quiet evening, note that The Distillers’ lively programming (quiz nights, live music, sports screenings) means there’s often a buzz in the air – personally, I find that part of its charm, but those craving solitude might choose off-peak hours. The lack of on-site parking is a minor inconvenience for some, although, as discussed, public transit and walking are the norm in this area (and the pub’s location more than makes up for it). Finally, while the menu generally impresses, if you arrive very late on a busy night, a few food items might be sold out – a testament to their popularity, really.

When weighing these small drawbacks against everything The Distillers offers, they barely register. The consensus among patrons is that this pub provides a consistently enjoyable, high-quality experience. It’s telling that The Distillers won Fuller’s own pub award (the Griffin Trophy’s Outstanding Achievement) a few years back – a recognition of its excellence in food, drink, and atmosphere. For locals, it’s a dependable “local” with a twist; for visitors, it’s a chance to plug into a genuine London neighbourhood vibe. I’d recommend The Distillers to just about anyone looking for a great pub in west London. It manages to be many things to many people – a sports haven, a foodie stop, a music/comedy venue, a family lunch spot – yet it melds all these roles seamlessly under one roof. After a pint (or three) in its beer garden or an evening laughing in its upstairs lounge, you’ll likely leave with the same thought I did: “Can’t wait to come back.”