The Askew Arms

The Askew Arms

The Askew Arms in Shepherd's Bush

The Askew Arms
Uxbridge Road
Shepherd's Bush
W12

Don't read any further if you are one of those people who think that pubs should never be changed, because from being one of the many 'old codgers' pubs on the Uxbridge Road, The Askew has transformed itself into something quite different.

Take your pick from the following, oven baked pizzas, free internet access, comfy sofas, a regularly changing programme of art exhibitions, sets from local DJ's a couple of nights a week, a patio garden, those outdoor lampost heater things, newspapers, trendy young things arriving on chopper bikes ... You are probably getting the picture.

If you like this sort of thing you will love it, because the transformation feels like someone's labour of love. In the Askew's beautifully open plan design everything has been thought about carefully, from the hidden lighting behind the bamboo plants in the patio garden, to the choice of leather cubes in the downstairs seating area.

The clientelle are mainly under 30's I would say, media types if I'm not mistaken, with a sprinkling of aussies and older locals for good measure. The staff are always friendly too.

This is a pub to come to and have a good time in. Part of the gentrification of the Uxbridge Road, no doubt ... but done with style.

Just one thing though, this pub can get LOUD, so loud in fact that you can't hear what the person sitting next to you is saying, but that is only on the DJ nights if your seat is too close to the speakers.

M.Francis 7/01