Pubs across the Borough in Acton, Ealing, Greenford, Hanwell and West Ealing including the volunteer run Questors Grapevine Bar at the Questors Theatre have been recognised in the 2023 Good Beer Guide.
This year’s Good Beer Guide is the 50th edition and is published by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). It aims to help beer lovers find out about the best places to order and enjoy a pint at their local.
CAMRA national chairman Nik Antona said: “The Good Beer Guide has always had an important role in acting as a barometer of the beer and pub industry. We believe information gleaned from the Guide is absolutely vital in the drive to save our pubs from closure and campaign for policies that better support pubs, local brewers and their customers.
Mr Antona added: “Whilst we experienced a boom in the brewing industry over recent years, it’s clear that the effects of COVID-19 and subsequent cost of living and cost of goods crisis has been keenly felt. I’d encourage everyone to use this Guide to seek out the very best examples of pub excellence and support these locals by visiting them.”
These are the winning pubs across Ealing.
ACTON
Red Lion & Pineapple, 281 High Street, W3 9BP
The Good Beer Guide said: “A Wetherspoon pub at the top of Acton Hill, formerly owned by Fuller’s. Two pubs here were combined in 1906, hence the name. The windows are large, with etched and stained tops, and the walls are decorated with historical photographs of Acton.”
EALING
Questors Grapevine Bar, 12 Mattock Lane, W5 5BQ
The Good Beer Guide said: “A friendly theatre club bar near the centre of Ealing and Walpole Park, run by enthusiastic volunteers.”
Sir Michael Balcon, 46-47 The Mall, W5 3TJ
The Good Beer Guide said: “Located on the Uxbridge Road east of Ealing town centre, this pub became a Wetherspoon venue in 2008, converted from Bryant’s furniture shop. It is named after the legendary producer of Ealing comedies including The Ladykillers and The Lavender Hill Mob, whose life and films form the basis of many of the wall displays.”
GREENFORD
Black Horse, 425 Oldfield Lane North, UB6 0AS
The Good Beer Guide said: “Large old split-level pub, tastefully extended and refurbished, very convenient for public transport. A landscaped garden overlooks the scenic Grand Union Canal; boaters mooring outside and towpath walkers and cyclists are frequent visitors. Beer deliveries were once by barge. Friday and Saturday nights offer live music,
Thursday nights a quiz. Function space is free to hire for group bookings.”
HANWELL
Fox, Green Lane, W7 2PJ
The Good Beer Guide said: “Wonderful free house in the welcoming multicultural town of Hanwell, as popular with walkers, cyclists and other nearby canal users as it is with locals. A good range of beers is complemented by excellent, inexpensive food, including the sought-after Sunday lunch (booking recommended).
Grosvenor, 127 Oaklands Road, W7 2DT
The Good Beer Guide said: “A traditional Edwardian back street local identified by CAMRA as having a regionally important historic interior, it was refurbished in 2014 without losing its features and charm. Inside is a main bar and a dining room area. Food is served daily. The cask and bottle-conditioned beer selections are complemented by a wide range of other locally produced beers.”
Viaduct, 221 Uxbridge Road, W7 3TD
The Good Beer Guide said: “A friendly Fuller’s pub that is much larger on the inside than it appears from the outside. There is a separate function room which is available for hire when it is not being used for the Friday comedy nights. The pub was renamed around 1838 after the Wharncliffe Viaduct behind it, famous as the first viaduct to carry a
commercial electric telegraph.”
WEST EALING
Owl & the Pussycat, 106 Northfield Avenue, W13 9RT
The Good Beer Guide said: “Until recently also a microbrewery, this pub has retained the atmosphere of the former bookshop in which it is located. Avid readers can browse through the beer related books and magazines. The owners now brew all the beers at Ealing Brewing in Brentford. The ciders are often from Oliver’s. In this small, friendly environment, conversation is all-important.
To get a copy of the Good Beer Guide 2023, click here.
