The Dove in Hammersmith is renowned for its beautiful riverside beer garden, but when the weather takes a turn for the worse and temperatures begin to drop, a meal inside is much more attractive.
This pub has the answer, offering a cosy interior to welcome retreating diners in from the chilly banks of the Thames.
Add into the equation a roaring log fire and this seventeenth century pub becomes the perfect destination for a homely evening meal out during the autumn and winter months.
The Dove is steeped in history, the old wooden beams themselves can probably tell a tale or two as this public house has been graced by the likes of poet James Thomson, the man behind Rule Brittania and Charles II also dined here with his mistress Nell Gwynne - only the best for the best!
It is one of many Fuller's pubs in London and has been owned by the London brewery company since 1796.
What's On in October
To start
An impressive menu was handed to us, but one starter jumped out to me straight away - pan seared scallops with chorizo mousse and pea puree, whilst my companion opted for the avocado and wild garlic pine nut pesto bruschetta.
Glass of wine in hand we enjoyed the snug atmosphere by the fire as we waited for our starters to be prepared.
If you are a lover of red wine, I can recommend the Les Cents Verres Pinot Noir which fit its 'soft & silky' description down to a tee- it went down rather too well and a second glass was soon on the cards.
Our starters arrived not too long after we placed our order and they were fantastic and a perfect size to ensure we still had space left to fit in a main course.
If I was to be incredibly picky, I would say one more scallop on my plate would have made this starter perfect, I was served with three which wasn't quite enough to mop up all of the delicious chorizo mousse. They were delicious nevertheless.
While I was enjoying my last scallop, my plus one had already scooped up every last crumb from his starter - I think it's safe to say it was tasty.
Other starters on the menu included watercress soup and chicken liver pate.
Main Course
Once again, one particular meal jumped out from the menu, pork medallions wrapped in pancetta, which was beautifully presented on a bed of confit baby potatoes and runner beans - perfection.
The meal was presented in a way which does not look over-facing, but there was more than enough on my plate to fill me up.
My plus one chose the pea and mint gnocchi which was also perfectly presented- almost looking too good to eat.
Both meals were polished off leaving us both full to the brim.
The monkfish and classic farm burger meals were also particularly tempting.
Dessert
There is always room for the sweet treat at the end.
I went for the strawberry panacotta, which was served with plum sorbet and olive powder, topped off with a beautiful flower.
Gently removing the delicate flower, I dived into my dessert and wasn't disappointed - the strawberry notes were perfect with the plum sorbet.
Feeling a little too full, my plus one opted for a lemon and ginger tea, one of a wide range of options ranging from cranberry and raspberry and of course, English Breakfast.
All in all, we had a lovely evening enjoying delicious food inside a pub which has a magical way of making you feel like you are sitting by the fire in your cosy front room, yet still managing to transport you back in time as well as providing a slice of luxury to your evening.
Price: For a three-course meal for two with a bottle of wine, expect to pay around £80 to £90.
Address: The Dove, 19 Upper Mall, Hammersmith, London, W6 9TA
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 11am until 11pm, Sunday from 12pm until 10.30pm.
Telephone: 02087489474
Website: www.dovehammersmith.co.uk
Parking: Being in Hammersmith, diners should take public transport. Both Hammersmith and Ravenscourt Park are a short walk away.
Dress Code: Smart casual.
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