The Cock Tavern is a homely, welcoming and solid choice for your drinking and eating needs. The vibrancy and cleanliness is the first thought that springs to mind when stepping off the streets of Fulham Broadway. With modern and colourful furniture, a front wall library styled display and hanging seating pods, it’s a world away from the smoky, dark and uninviting boozers that used to dominate London. There are a few gastro pub touches evident, with the chesterfield sofas, a cosy fire place and board games dotted around for those who like a bit of snakes and ladders with their Shiraz, but it certainly brings a modern twist for 2012. One particular innovative touch is the saloon style booths, located at the front of the pub, where you can use the dial up telephone to call in your round of beers, wine or dinner that is perfect for those who are stationary drinkers. A long bar runs half the length of the pub and a raised seating area, adorned with mad hatter lamp shades and a welcoming skylight, leads up to a narrow but nicely decked beer garden.
Cock Tavern in Fulham is a bright and modern take on the London pub
Client and atmosphere
It’s a mixed bag. The gastro vibe certainly pulls in the young professionals and Fulham-ites but on our visit we had builders and office workers, older couples and business heads, which is reflective of the relaxed and comfortable setting that is on offer and obviously is appealing to all. Mid-week its full of catch ups, couples and after work drinkers, come the weekend the music is cranked up in the evenings but not enough to tempt the dancing shoes to come out. This is a spot for local pub drinking, watching sport, Sunday roasts, social meet ups and a place to unwind.
Dial up your drinks and food at the Cock Tavern
Food and Drink
Craft Beers have been well and truly adopted here which is always good to see. Instead of opting for your usual European lager, plump for a Meantime Pale Ale (£4.40) that is an exciting new London brewery beer or get some sunshine in your drink with a refreshing Sierra Nevada Pale Ale (£4.95) but doesn’t come cheap. The wine list is accessible and offers a global choice. A refreshing Sauvignon Blanc from Chile is well priced (£15.35) and for those who like something a bit deeper try the Pinotage (£25.00), a delightful grape that is the signature variety from South Africa and winning some serious global wine awards.
Grazing Plates offer a new eating style at this Fulham pub
The emphasis here is on a sharing and communal dining experience, with the dominance of the Grazing Plates menu. A British take on tapas style dishes, you will find all the classic British pub dishes at half the size and perfect for group eating. The Glorious Fish Pie (£5) lived up to its name, the Beer Battered Fish and Chips (£5.50) was satisfying and small enough not to make you feel like you a trip to the gym is needed but the Salt & Peppar Squid (£5) and Courgette Fries (£3) could have both done with a little more crunch. You can finish your grazing with a comforting Sticky Toffee Pudding (£5).
Summary
The Cock Tavern pub in Fulham is a fresh and modern take on the British pub and is a sanctuary for those looking to unwind, relax and sample some good honest food and drink.
Budget: Happily affordable
Pre-design: chill with your mates, after work drinks, group meet ups
Service: 3/5
