‘If Carlsberg made gastropubs …’, fans of this backstreet Hammersmith hostelry near leafy St Peter’s Square say it would be just like this, with a ‘roaring fire, beautifully-lit room, well-assembled wine list, and a menu which is driven by quality ingredients (and also with a garden that’s perfect for a romantic summer evening: twinkling lights and lots of greenery).’
Hardens
We are a relatively small (60 seater) pub with a large lovingly tended courtyard garden.
We welcome bookings of up to eight people.
Our new Private Dining Room is perfect for larger parties (up to sixteen seated or twenty standing) for special occasions and is available for exclusive hire by arrangement.
Please call us on 0208 741 8386 or email us enquiries@carpentersarmsw6.co.uk
We look forward to welcoming you.
BAR
WEDNESDAY – SATURDAY : 12pm – 11pm
SUNDAY : 12pm – 7pm
FOOD
WEDNESDAY- SATURDAY : 12pm – 3pm / 6pm – 9:30pm
SUNDAY : 12pm – 6pm
CLOSED
MONDAY
TUESDAY
ABOUT
Situated down a quiet side street, on the corner of elegant St Peter’s Square, The Carpenter’s Arms is an independent nineteenth-century pub with a beautiful garden where the food is the star.
We focus on simple, beautifully cooked seasonal food. Our menu and Specials Board change daily: Simply cooked sustainable fish; British meats; delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes and tempting puddings to finish. Simple dishes, big flavours.
We are just as serious about good drink as we are about good food. Our well stocked bar helps keep the relaxed and convivial spirit of a local boozer very much alive.
We operate a rotating list of guest real ales, as well as world wines from just under £30 a bottle. We also serve the only cocktails worth filling the glass for – a negroni for lunch, a martini before dinner, an Old Fashioned when you need a stiff drink, a Margarita for when you want to pretend you’re on holiday and a Bloody Mary for the morning after.
HISTORY
St Peter’s Square was laid out during the economic boom in 1820 when George Scott built a speculative housing development on part of his Ravenscourt Park estate. The Carpenter’s Arms first opened its doors as a public house in 1871 owned by the Thomas Salt and Co Brewery.
In 1973 Chris Blackwell founded Island Records and opened their offices in St Peter’s Square. We like to think that many of their roster of musicians including Bob Marley and the Wailers, Aswad, Cat Stevens, Robert Palmer, Steve Winwood, Grace Jones and U2 would have enjoyed a lock in at the Carpenter’s Arms.
In the mid 90s the pub changed ownership and became Le St Pierre and then The Lazy Vine. In 2007 we bought the pub and returned it to its roots.
Shortly after we reopened The Carpenter’s Arms as a pub in 2007 the hard to satisfy AA Gill awarded us his maximum five stars. In 2015 the Carpenter’s Arms was awarded Best Local Restaurant Hammersmith by Time Out.
We are entirely independent from all other pubs in the UK. Despite its many changes of ownership over the last century and a half, The Carpenter’s Arms still keeps to the traditions of St. Benedict – that true hospitality be provided to travellers and strangers. We look forward to welcoming you soon.
WINE
2022 Trebbiano & Garganega, Ponte Pietra, Italy
2022 Organic Macabao, Familla Castano, Spain
2022 Vinho Verde Loureiro/Albarino Familia Azevo, Spain
2021 Papa Figos Douro Branco Casa Ferreirinha, Portugal
2022 Picpoul De Pinet, Domaine La Croix Gratiot, France
2021 Fontodi Meriggio Sauvignon, Italy
2022 A Mano Fiano & Grechetto, Vegan, Italy
2021 Kardos Dry Furmit, Hungery
2022 Bourgogne Aligote, Domaine Perraud, France
2021 Bischofliche DOM Riesling Dry, German
2020 DOC Bourgogne Chardonnay Les Hauts de Milly, France
2021 Albarino, El Jardin de Lucia, Spain
2022 DOC Franzhass Gewuztraminer, Italy
2021 DOC Fiano Di Avellino, Villa Raiano, Italy
2022 ACC Domaine des Agnes Chablis, France
2021 Donnafugata Sur Vulcano Etna Bianco, Italy
2021 A Casa Mia IGT Alicante/Shiraz terre Siciliane
2022 Cotes de Thau, Baron De Badassiere Carignan , France
2021 Montepulciano D’Abruzzo, Gran Sasso, Italy
2022 Pinot Noir IGP Mas La Chevaliere, France
2021 Sa Raja Cannonau di Sardegna INKIBI , Italy
2019 Organic Frappato,Nicosia, Italy
2018 Vega del Rajo Rioja Riserva, Spain
2020 DOC Chianti Classico Il Grigio, San Felice , Italy
2019 Crianza Ribera del DueroMarques de Burgos,Spain
2022 Vigneti del ZaBu` Il Passo Nerello Mascalese
2021 DOC Pinot Nero Delle Dolomiti Franzhass, Italy
2019 Merum Inici Priorat, Spain
2019 Torre del Falesco Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore, Italy
2019 DOC Araldica Barolo Flori, Italy
2014 Frank Phélan, Saint-Estephe, France
2019 Tignanello, Marchesi Antinori, Italy
Wherever possible we use ingredients ripe from the UK and all of our dishes are created in house – from the roasted nuts and freshly baked bread at the beginning of your meal to the chutney with the native cheese and fresh walnuts, the ice cream with your crumble or the tiny square of cherry brownie with your coffee at the end of your meal. If we can’t make it we don’t do it.
2022 Pinot Grigio Rosato Terre di Monteforte,Italy
2021 Chateau de Rouet Estrelle Cotes De Provance,France
Our menu changes daily
NV Prosecco Extra Dry, Ca di Alte, Italy
NV Domaine Jean-Noel Gagnard Cremant de Bourgogne Rose, France
NV Champagne Grande Reserve Devaux, France
PRIVATE DINING ROOM
A SUMPTUOUS DINING EXPERIENCE
Our Private Dining Room is available to hire for up to 20 people standing or private dining for up to 16 people. The room is also available for meetings, photo shoots and filming.
Set on the first floor the dining room has its own honesty bar and has been decorated in a rich colour palette of reds, greens and browns which comes into its own in the evening when the dining table is covered in candles and decorated with fresh flowers.
Luxurious Paisley curtains dress the windows looking out onto the pretty row of Victorian cottages on Black Lion Lane. Persian rugs, mahogany dining chairs upholstered in velvet, antique lighting and a large gilt mirror over the fireplace create a truly sumptuous ‘old school’ dining experience.
BOOK YOUR EVENT
From tasting menus to christenings we will work with you to create a bespoke event tailored especially for you.
To find out more please call us on 020 8741 8386
or email enquiries@carpentersarmsw6.co.uk
PRESS
THE NOT-SO-SECRET GARDENS
‘My favorite place to dine the Carpenter’s Arms, a food lover’s gastropub run by owners Tamsin Saunders and Simon Cherry, a block away from Chiswick Mall, one of the area’s prettiest streets.’
The Wall Street Journal, Mary Lou Longworth
‘Do you, like me, dream of having a local pub within walking distance, where you can sit at a table by an open fire, read your paper uninterrupted by Muzak, enjoy wine from a well-selected list and an excellent meal made from local produce.lit by warm and inviting lighting and whose walls are hung with idiosyncratic art? Just such a place is The Carpenter’s Arms inChiswick rubs by Simon Cherry and designed bu his partner Tamsin Saunders.’
Liz Elliot, House & Garden December 2022
‘This is a wonderful idiosyncratic local pub with a Francophile vibe, and when you sit in the gorgeous garden you feel as if you are on holiday. It’s full of beautiful plants and vintage, beat up metal garden furniture that you might find in a French bistro in the middle of the country. In the evening they light it with twinkly lights, so any occasion feels very special. The food is always delicious, with a small menu from a former River Cafe chef and they serve local ales.’
The Times Weekend 10 April 2021
‘St Peter’s Square Conservation Area, prized for its proximity to the riverside and the highly rated Carpenter’s Arms gastropub.’
The Financial Times 4 December 2021
‘The Carpenter’s Arms serves a top notch daily changing menu in spectacularly cosy surroundings.’
Evening Standard January 2020
‘If Carlsberg made gastropubs …’, fans of this backstreet Hammersmith hostelry near leafy St Peter’s Square say it would be just like this, with a ‘roaring fire, beautifully-lit room, well-assembled wine list, and a menu which is driven by quality ingredients (and also with a garden that’s perfect for a romantic summer evening: twinkling lights and lots of greenery).’
Hardens 2021
‘The Carpenter’s Arms, tucked away by the Thames near Hammersmith, is my idea of the perfect gastro pub.’
Lindsey Bareham The Times March 2019
‘For those like me who prefer the good old atmospheric quirky gastropub days of yore, where excellent cooking was complemented by wonky chairs and presided over by an actual landlord, often with a tea towel over his shoulder, then there’s a properly loved local just 0.9 of a mile down the Chiswick High Road. And yes, the landlord is an old friend of mine (hi, Simon), but it was no less a gastro-ledge than Adrian Gill who gave the Carpenter’s Arms a five star review back in 2008. At £20, admittedly there’s an extra quid to pay for the Carpenter’s three course set lunch, but it is also pretty much Roma to The Crown’s Green Book.’
Kate Flett The Sunday Telegraph March 2019
‘What a great place. Fabulously light. Rather quirky. Fun and vibrant atmosphere. We got chatting to loads of other punters and had a right jolly old time. But the food is the star here (apart from Hugo the waiter who has a great look going on). This is fine cooking. I had a gnocchi thing and my mate had a venison thing. Then we had a pear and frangipani tart. Goodness me. All Absolutely delicious. I will definitely return, not just to support this independent, local establishment but because the standard of food compels it.’
Trip Advisor March 2019
‘Good imaginative cooking at this relaxed well run corner dining pub, fine for just a drink too with plenty of wines by the glass and Adnams Bitter, friendly helpful staff and good mix of customers, simple bare-boards interior with open fire; dogs welcome, attractive garden, open all day’
Good Food Guide 2016
‘In these days of flock-wallpapered gastropubs, there’s much to be said for The Carpenter’s Arms’ pared-down, slightly frayed look. The well-heeled regulars (denizens of these smart west Hammersmith backwaters) seem to have a genuine affinity for the worn interiors, and are willing to overlook the limited beer selection. In return, they get a local that truly feels like a local, with affable hosts, a pleasant beer garden and a varied menu of Mediterranean-influenced food. Dinner could see pan-fried sardines with panzanella salad, or grilled squid with marinated peppers and cannellini bean salad, followed by game pie, or roasted pork belly with pinto beans and crispy trotters. Prices are moderate considering the area, and the wine list contains some pleasing choices.’
Square Meal 2016
‘Cosy gastropub with secluded courtyard garden. The pub has attracted very good independent reviews for its food eg serial entries in the Good Food Guide. Locals would be forgiven for keeping very quiet about this hidden gem.’
What Pub 2016
‘The Carpenter’s Arms became Le St Pierre, then The Lazy Vine and now it’s back to The Carpenter’s Arms again. This return to the original name is typical of the no-nonsense approach favoured by the owners who’ve made the most perfect gastropub conversion you can imagine, with a cosy wood and white paint dining room, a lovely courtyard garden, and a decent range of beers on tap. It’s the food that’s been the biggest hit, though: acerbic Times critic AA Gill gave it a glowing review and a rare five star rating.’
London Town 2015
‘Taking over the mantle of best gastro pub in the area from the Anglesea Arms, this unpretentious local serves great seasonal British food in simple style, with a dozen wines by the glass. The fact it’s in such a quiet spot also adds to the appeal.’
secretlondon.com
‘A tucked-away Hammersmith location helps set up a “relaxed” atmosphere at this backstreet pub, praised for its “great value” cooking; cute garden too.’
Hardens
‘But for the tables outside, you might think that this was a shop. But a pub it is, and a popular one at that: head here on a Friday evening, and you’ll probably find ‘reserved’ signs hanging on most of the dozen or so tables that hug the edge of this intimate venue. A stripped-down menu of simple mixed drinks cuts nicely to the chase, but most stick to reliable wines or the beers, which might include Adnams on draft. As those ‘reserved’ signs make plain, food’s a big part of the appeal, and with reason: it’s both excellent and keenly priced. The staff who serve it are absolute darlings, genuinely delighted to see you.
Time Out – Winner Love London Awards Best Local 2015’
‘In 1994, the gastropub was a novelty, the pioneering Eagle not long open and its squadrons of imitators still to take off. Today, we are all so bored by its dominance that it takes one of unusual quality to warrant a review. And the Carpenter’s Arms is certainly that, serving outstanding food with unaffected charm rather than the brash self-regard of the Eagle or the franticness that makes ordering so much as a pint in the Anchor & Hope a test of will.’
Matthew Norman, Guardian 2009
‘Found on St Peters Square, a smart residential corner of London, The Carpenter’s Arms might look like any other backstreet boozer, but the food is far from ordinary. The Carpenter’s is turning out modern British food at its best. You can settle in to the light, airy interior decorated with eclectic artwork. Or, if the sun is shining, you can order the lot to be scoffed outside in the pub’s fabulous garden.’
The Guardian, June 2009
‘Cosy gastropub with secluded courtyard garden. The pub has attracted very good independent reviews for its food eg serial entries in the Good Food Guide. Locals would be forgiven for keeping very quiet about this hidden gem.’
What Pub
‘A lost pub … It’s a long plain room, with a bit of a courtyard out the back and doesn’t make any effort to be anything other than a down-on-its-luck back street boozer. … It’s not pretentious or weird, its not got a concept, it’s just bloody brilliant. I’ve eaten here twice; each time every dish has been faultless. … It comes without ta-ra, falderal or soliloquy. It’s honest, accomplished and confident, full of its own flavour, and as well made as a grandfather clock. … Simply and truly this is a kitchen that wholly succeeds in doing what it sets out to do, in a room that is gently hospitable, without assumption or pretension. It is as fine and joyous a lunch as you will find the length and breadth of Britain this week.’
AA Gill, The Sunday Times 2008
FAQS & TERMS
- All our meat is organic and comes from small independent farmers.
- All our fish is sustainable, fresh-off-boat, landed daily by the fishing fleet in Mersea, and our vegetables are supplied by Natoora.
- We adhere to the principles of Slow Food and are members of the Sustainable Restaurant Association
- We have a small rooftop herb garden where we grow our own herbs.
- Our wine list is largely biodynamic and comes from small independent growers who respect the grapes and the land. All corks are donated to Recorked who resell or supply free corks to charities and schools for use in craft projects. For every cork collected a percentage of profit goes to charity.
- Our bottled water is from the South Downs and our coffee is roasted at Edgcumbes in West Sussex.
- We operate a zero-waste policy. Our rubbish is collected by First Mile.
- We accept bookings of up to eight people at generously spaced tables in our garden and inside.
- Our Private Dining Room can accommodate up to sixteen people seated.
- The Private Dining room and courtyard garden can be hired for special events, corporate bookings or location hire. Please contact us for further details
- Well-behaved dogs are welcome
- We welcome children but we have a limited number of high chairs.
- We accept all credit cards except American Express.
- We welcome and can accommodate wheelchair users. However, we occupy an old building and regret we are not allowed to make the necessary alterations to provide a dedicated disabled toilet.
- There is meter parking on Black Lion Lane and in St Peter’s Square. Parking is free after 5pm and at weekends. Our nearest Tube Station is Stanford Brook on the District Line.
- We welcome drinkers on a relaxed walk-in basis and will do our best to accommodate you according to table availability on arrival.