The Carpenter’s Arms, found on the corner of a sleepy residential street wedged between the bustling Chiswick High Road and King Street, is the quintessential hidden gem.
Yes, that phrase is overused and cliché but with so many alternatives on those aforementioned main thoroughfares, it would be easy to overlook or completely ignore this attractive yet understated pub.
A family-owned offering with sister locations in Notting Hill and Chelsea, a bank holiday Monday almost inevitably called for a wholesome, rejuvenating brunch – new to The Carpenter’s extensive and high-quality menu since May.
Stepping in, we were greeted with a huge Union Flag adorning its outside wall, but inside a shabby-chic interior imbued with notes of French cafes added to its allure.
As the last days of summer approach, the spacious garden singing in the late morning sunshine was the obvious choice.
The August heat and pleasantly-arranged greenery made this spot in West London feel like an escape to the Mediterranean.
The lack of other customers proved Black Lion Lane had not yet awoken from its slumber, so our server Hannah was quick to make us feel comfortable and relaxed on the rustic, metallic garden furniture.
The premium-looking menu certainly covered all breakfast staples – labelled ‘classics’ – with eggs any which way, an upmarket Full English (potato rosti rather than a hash brown, and Portobello mushroom) as well as smashed avocado with poached eggs and pomegranate seeds.
But the conditions felt continental, so the shakshouka with spicy tomato sauce and toasted pitta seemed to suit the atmosphere – along with an item from the bakery section which aligned with the French decor: cinnamon French toast with banana, bacon and maple syrup.
Despite not listed alongside the classics, it was undoubtedly the star attraction from the items sampled – melt in the mouth, fluffy bread baked to perfection with just enough sweet and spicy cinnamon tickling the taste buds.
The bacon was grilled with care and attention, adding the crisp saltiness when paired with the sugary syrup and caramelised banana, to a state ready-made to devour.
The shakshouka was topped with generous helpings of feta and dill, which conjured thoughts of the garden this delightful breakfast had been backdropped by.
The well-sourced ingredients was evident without needing to enquire: most obviously in the second dose of bread accompanying the tomato and egg-filled skillet.
When you’re an adult, eating with your hands feels like a guilty regression – naughty, indulgent: and it was good to be bad.
On first inspection, there didn’t seem enough sauce to pair with the four portions of chunky pitta – but, like all other helpings, it was generous and considered.
The most British of breakfast foodstuffs, the sausage, had to be sampled too – it was deep in its meatiness, whilst notes of apple and pepper also had their place, and for a meat-eater was a perfect accoutrement to the spicy tomato dip.
As the final morning hour evaporated, clientele keen for lunch entered our once private garden space: they were keen to sing the praises of the bar snacks which introduce the afternoon menu – the gochujang spicy chicken wings and popcorn shrimp, priced at £10 and £11.50 respectively, were first to be highlighted.
When reviewing, it would be an insult not to try a pub’s alcohol selection – and for those feeling particularly grown-up, a mimosa or a bloody mary can pack that punch at breakfast time after 10am – but we went to the beer taps to be traditional.
Except this range was anything but: the recognisable Guinness and Jubel Peach beer sat alongside a strong and bold Rothaus Pils, a complex and developed 1936, a Swiss-made lager, and The Carpenter’s Arms house lager, brewed in Devon at 4.0% ABV, which provides the easy-drinking, light option.
As the final knockings of this visit was soaked in from indoors, having spoken to the manager Duncan, who was ably supported by the well-staffed Carpenter’s team, it was clear this pub was designed to feel authentic and relaxing, yet restaurant-standard in terms of service and product.
Pop along to try their breakfast at 9.30-11.30am on weekends, or for those feeling a certain je ne sais quoi, perhaps their week of celebrating all things French is for you – head to the pub’s ‘La Grande Fête’, from Monday 1 – Saturday 6 September.
And as that summer sun slips away, The Carpenter’s Arms will continue the good times with music on Mondays, quizzes on Tuesdays and BYOB steak nights on Wednesdays.
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