Sitting at the Beggar's Bush end of Bath Avenue, The Old Spot cuts a dash in this leafy neighbourhood, its trendy teal country pub exterior festooned with a spectacular collection of hanging baskets. In many ways the Instagram-friendly exterior conveys exactly what you'll find inside: a traditional bar with the perfect amount of hipster sensibility and a big hearted welcome.
Pass by the locals downing pints and make for the back of the bar where you'll find a spacious restaurant area that's split into two comfy dining rooms. A mix of banquettes, bentwood chairs and individual tables, the low ceiling and dark walls make it especially cosy in cool weather (though the lack of natural light does nothing to deter diners from coming on sunny days.)
Popular with everyone from residents, local workers and pre-match supporters, the fare is more restaurant than typical gastro pub. On international rugby days it's extra buzzy with the city's best chefs and restaurateurs dining and drinking here before kick-off at the neighbouring Aviva stadium.Chef Mark Ahessy, an alumnus of L'Ecrivain and Pichet, joined as Head Chef in 2022, reuniting him with star manager Denise McBrien, who runs the happiest front-of-house team around. There's a warm energy in The Old Spot, thanks in no small part to the friendly, professional staff. Epitomising the art of great hospitality, the combination of a top manager and quality training makes for a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.
This welcoming space is the perfect backdrop to Mark's upbeat and precise cooking. The menu offers elevated renditions of gastropub favourites, a Ridgeway waygu beef burger served with Dubliner cheese, burger sauce and beef dripping fries and excellent beer battered fish with house tartare sauce, for example.
And then there's the restaurant-style dishes, all big flavours and skilled techniques. Think ham hock terrine with spiced apricot and pistachio or barbecued sea trout with peas à la Francaise, potato fondant and smoked lardons or maybe the simple sophistication of Bafego bluefin tuna with black sesame, avocado, soy and ponzu dressing. Mark's slow cooked beef lasagne, which might appear on the specials board, is an unforgettable plate of comfort food
On Sundays, it's a favourite spot for its excellent menu of roasts with all the trimmings. Attracting a loyal following of D4 denizens, a great kids' menu means it's the kind of place the whole family is welcome. Factor in a varied and affordable drinks list, and comfy dining spaces and it's easy to see why The Old Spot is still a hit nine years on. Combining the best of a pub and neighbourhood restaurant bookings are recommended, especially on weekends.
