Blackbird

We spent four nights at The Blackbird and Fullers Pub and were very comfortable. Our top-floor Hitchcock Room was private, with a large comfortable bed and a great shower. The staff were exceptionally accommodating and nice. There was plenty to choose from on the menu, and the food was amazing, along with all sorts of drinks. We’ll stay here again next time we’re in London.

We ducked into this very friendly pub to get out of the rain and were served quickly. The fish and chips and pies people nearby were eating looked fantastic, and I wished I hadn’t had such a heavy meal earlier. I just had a Scotch egg as a bar snack, served with amazing beer mustard.

On my third trip to London, finding gluten-free food had usually been easy, but this time most places around here said they didn’t have any. I was fed up, hungry and feeling defeated when I tried The Blackbird. They had an electronic menu with an allergen filter, so I could see and choose only gluten-free options. I ordered the Admiral’s fish pie and loved it so much I came back the next night for the same thing. Dessert options included a gluten-free warm chocolate brownie with ice cream, or a miniature chocolate brownie with a hot drink of your choice.

We were excited to come back after a lovely visit a couple of years ago, but this was probably the worst meal we’ve had in a long time. It felt like everything had been sitting under a heater since morning. The “pink” roast was well done and the Yorkshires were tough. Service was indifferent too. We told the waitress we’d finished; she acknowledged us, then wiped other tables and petted dogs at other tables before coming back to apologize for the wait. I don’t enjoy eating while someone’s dog stares at me, and animals don’t belong in a pub or restaurant. Maybe it was different when this place wasn’t owned by a large chain? Either way, never again.