Bull's Head

Bull's Head

This pub was chosen for inclusion editorially by Londonist.

To jazz fans, the Bull's Head is a legendary venue up there with Ronnie Scott's. Since the 1950s, it's played host to many legends from the genre and beyond, including PP Arnold, Jeff Beck, Gary Moore, Mick Jagger and regular Humphrey Lyttleton. The pub recently changed hands to become part of the Geronimo chain, but has vowed to keep the jazz thing going. So far, so good, with live music every night of the week in the Jazz Room annexe.

Otherwise, the pub looks much like other Geronimo venues, with multicoloured upholstery, grey-green walls and an emphasis on good food. Sitting in the rear dining room, we chomped into a baked aubergine that was packed to the gunwales with flavour, and a superior fishcake the size of an engorged trumpet mute. Service was exemplary. There's no escaping the jazz, though. It's pumped into every room, including the lavs.

The main bar area is a bit of a looker, with a sturdy wooden bar taking centre stage. Brightly painted side rooms contain cosy sofas, heavily encushioned, and a small library of travel literature. The wine list is quite staggering for a pub, but then this is well-heeled Barnes where a two-bed terrace will set you back a cool million. The locals demand more than a glass of Blue Nun. Ale choice is reasonable, if not exceptional.

On Facebook. On Twitter as @BullsHeadLive.

Load of Bull.
Load of Bull.
An old stables arch leads to the Jazz Room.
An old stables arch leads to the Jazz Room.
There's an aubergine under there somewhere.
There's an aubergine under there somewhere.
dsc_00121.jpg
Super fishcake. Stick that in your trumpet, Humphrey.
Super fishcake. Stick that in your trumpet, Humphrey.
View of some Chilean Chardonnay from one of the bar's side rooms.
View of some Chilean Chardonnay from one of the bar's side rooms.
We got here early. The dining room would normally be very busy.
We got here early. The dining room would normally be very busy.
Those trademark Geronimo chairs, plus a selection of fake animal heads.
Those trademark Geronimo chairs, plus a selection of fake animal heads.

Address: 373 Lonsdale Road London SW13 9JL

Phone: 020 3437 0134

Email:
thebullshead@geronimo-inns.co.uk

Website:
http://www.geronimo-inns.co.uk/london-the-bulls-head

Monday: 11am-11pm

Tuesday: 11am-11pm

Wednesday: 11am-11pm

Thursday: 11am-11pm

Friday: 11am-11pm

Saturday: noon-11pm

Sunday: noon-10pm

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