It might be considered as Chelsea's younger, more down-to-earth little brother, but Fulham still offers enough character to make it one of our favourite West London hangouts. Once the capital of London's pottery, paper-making and beer brewing industries, it now evokes images of sunny brunch sessions, lazy weekends in old pubs and downright weird Michael Jackson statues. Shun that West London counter-culture, give in to its allure and check out all our favourite bars, restaurants and events based in SW6.
Neverland
Of all the things Fulham is famous for, a bring-your-own-booze pop-up beach is not one of them. That is, until now. Neverland sits on the banks of the Thames and offers the perfect al fresco spot on a slow-moving summer evening. The entire venue is full of deck chairs, beach shacks and bed loungers for you to sit back in and watch as the sky turns from warm orange to crimson red. As with every credible London pop-up, some of the capital leading street vendors are present to showcase the best dishes on their menu; the line-up includes cheese experts Le Rac Shack, bao-specialists Le Bao and the famous Taco Dave. But it's the bartenders behind the Unleaded Bar that steal the show. Bring along your favourite bottle of hooch and they'll flair together a delicious fruit, liqueur and spice-infused cocktail in now time. Perfect for the upcoming sunshine (we pray), it offers you an ASBO-free way of getting drunk on the beach without leaving zone 2.
Sink deep into a cosy beach lounger and let the charm of Neverland work its magic over you.
Hanger SW6
Steak is king at Hanger SW6. Situated on North End Road, just a short stroll from Fulham Broadway, the venue prides itself on keeping things simple; every cut of British meat is butchered on-site and cooked over the kitchen's charcoal grill. To really make things exciting on the weekend, the kitchen plates up weekly bottomless brunch and roast dinner sessions, all revolving around the tender slices of grilled beef. Think steak and eggs on a Saturday and beef-fat roasties on a Sunday.
Make no mistake, Hanger SW6 isn't a one-trick pony. Scratch a little bit deeper below the surface and you'll stumble upon a hidden speakeasy cocktail bar. Whimsically calling itself Below The Cut, the bar is stocked with an impressive selection of international spirits and boasts the secretive, alluring charm that every good speakeasy needs to thrive. Though it might sound like Shoreditch, this steak brunch and speakeasy cocktail offering is firmly cemented in Fulham.
Steak reigns supreme at Hanger SW6. Who knew steak, eggs and a spicy sauce was such a heavyweight combination?
The Rose Pub
A firm favourite in the hearts of Fulham's many locals, The Rose Pub is a sleek, modern venue that has somehow managed to hold onto the cosy, traditional atmosphere that's usually reserved for older-than-time boozers. Inside, you have the usual homemade sausage rolls, local ales and craft beers on display at the bar, while the kitchen cranks and clanks in the background, serving plates of the usual gastro-pub suspects. But the real headliner here is outside. The pub's idyllic beer garden is one of the best in West London. Lined by white walls covered in thick, winding ivy, it's the sort of serene space you'd picture when thinking about your perfect Sunday afternoon in the sun.
The Rose Pub's beer garden turns into the last helicopter out of Saigon when the sun decides to make an appearance.
The Chelsea Pensioner
As part of the famous Simmons chain of bars, The Chelsea Pensioner doesn't let the family name down and has been entertaining patrons for years with strange interiors, boards games, pool tables and hand-crafted cocktails. We're not sure if it's the random collection of table lamps, mounted moose heads or the patterned wallpaper, but you're immediately hit by this quirky wave as soon as you set foot inside. Going against the prevailing winds of West London, the bar shuns nose-bleed inducing price and instead serves delicately made cocktails that don't require a down-payment. In short, we've got a bit of a crush on this Fulham cocktail bar.
The Chelsea Pensioner boasts the same laidback, frivolous vibes that have made Simmons so successful across London.
Luna Cinema at Fulham Palace
The Luna Cinema team are top of the list when it comes to hosting outdoor film screenings. You'll find them scattered all over the capital this summer, setting up huge screens and make-shift popcorn stands around London's most beautiful sights. Enter Fulham Palace. A local landmark in its own right, the former home of the Bishop of London throws open its doors this summer, hosting screenings of two incredibly popular films, La La Land and The Great Gatsby. Bunker down on the 1400-year-old lawn, gaze up at the stars/ blinking plane lights and experience the silver screen like never before. We reckon it's time you pulled out that old picnic blanket.
The Luna Cinema is setting up shop at Fulham Palace, a historic site that's been around since the 700s.
The Kings Arms
Of course, a guide to Fulham best venues wouldn't be anywhere close to complete without at least one traditional pub. And in truth, they don't get much more traditional than The Kings Arms. Based on Fulham Road, the pub has pulled together a bumper lineup of locally brewed craft beers and real ales, coupled with a food menu that features the usual gastro suspects, all made using the finest British ingredients available. Sleek and cosy, with a huge mural of old Queen Victoria tattooed on its back wall, The Kings Arms is a stalwart around these ends.
Raise a pint of real ale to Queen Victoria and sink deep into one of the venue's traditional armchairs.
Goat DINE
Goat DINE is a name that needs no introduction in London's culinary circles. Named after the 350-year-old pub that previously occupied the site, the venue is spread over 3 floors and is decorated with a distinctive rustic theme in mind - wooden table tops, unfinished walls, warehouse-inspired light fixtures and so on. Having created a favourable reputation for itself, the kitchen serves locals a sleek New York/ Italian dining concept with its wood-fired pizzas, chargrilled meats and fresh salads. Unquestionably one of Fulham's more opulent dinner locations.
And if the night still feels young after your hearty meal, head upstairs to The Chelsea Prayer Room, a secret speakeasy bar that pays homage to local hero George Moorland with its decor and inventive cocktail list.
Goat Dine is full of surprises; head down a few corridors, explore this 350-year-old building and see what secret hideouts you stumbled upon.
