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Richard Norman Shaw is often credited with building London's first 'garden suburb' in 1880, in the shape of Bedford Park near Turnham Green. He also designed the local pub, The Tabard, although that magnificent boozer's website reckons it was 'Bernard Shaw'. Well, it does house a small theatre and comedy venue, so one could probably find a tenuous link to the playwright.
It's a fabulous building. The facade hangs out over the pavement, all medieval style. Inside, the pub is decorated by tiles from Walker Crane and William de Morgan (or William de Mordan as the drunken website has it).
Despite these and other arts-and-crafty touches, the space feels modern. And sprawling. There's a large front bar, a fair sized back bar, a secluded wooden area and a library room, plus a not-too-shabby beer garden.
This roominess comes in handy when big names are playing the Tabard Theatre upstairs. Al Murray and Richard Herring are typical.
Although this is a Greene King pub, the beer range is excellent. An ever-changing spree of craft ales includes beers from the tiny By The Horns brewery (Tooting) and White Horse (Oxford). A plum porter from Titanic was the star of our most recent visit. It went down well.
The wine list is also pretty good, if nothing special. The food menu comprises hearty British fare, with little fanfare.
Oh, and be sure to check out the gorgeous church across the road when you've finished your tipple.
Last updated February 2020.
