Hmpf. I just don't know what to think of this new craft brewery. I so badly want this place to succeed because I think Chiswick really needs a place like this for people like my husband and I and everyone else who doesn't want to go to a standard pub and drink standard lagers.
Something was off though. I think it was the extremely uncomfortable chairs and the overall ambience of the space. The decor is cute. Exposed brick walls. A welcoming bar. Neat-looking tables and chairs. A mirror board noting the day's food specials.
The feeling of the space was what threw me off the most. When you walk in the door, it's a big open space with tables (too much empty space, need more tables) and directly in front of you is the bar. There are barstools at the bar which were all taken and about half of the tables were taken as well. As we sat there, I couldn't help but think that the space may have been more intimate and inviting if they would have installed the bar lengthwise down the space instead of "front and center". So, I guess that's what was off for me - the lack of intimacy. Too much open space. Too bright of lighting. Too easy to hear the other tables' conversations. I also don't recall any music which would be a great thing to have.
The staff (owners?) were super friendly and quickly ran over to assist us as soon as we sat down in those ungodly uncomfortable chairs. OH THE CHAIRS. I've never sat in a more uncomfortable and unflattering chair in my life. My ass looked the width of a lorry when I sat down. The wooden slats and metal frame of the chair back dug into my upper back. If the gods of The Italian Job are reading this, get rid of the chairs!
The beer menu was more extensive than I thought it was going to be. Perhaps around 15 beers to select from, however, they happened to be out of our first two selections, so that was depressing. Not to fear though, the owner (?) was quick to point out suitable alternatives and we went with his suggestions, in half-pint form. At £3.50 for a half-pint, I felt the prices were a bit steep.
The beer was good (unfortunately I cannot remember the cheeky names of them). I actually enjoyed both a lot but my husband said that they were just "ok". I think the problem was that we had just come from the Draft House in Hammersmith where he happened to have consumed a very good beer.
If we were not due to move out of Chiswick in a week, we'd likely return. I think the Italian Job would be a great place to enjoy a couple of beers on their patio on a warm summer day. read more