R J.
Yelp
This is one of a handful of reviews which I'm leaving up in full because I truly love this business.
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This is the sort of 5-star joint that makes me wonder how I could have possibly given 5 stars to anywhere else.
It also makes me incredibly glad to be living in Shepherds Bush. When I was looking to buy, the number of folks who expressed surprise I wasn't heading east drove me up the wall. Believe it or not, west London was actually cheaper. And with spots like this, I'd argue it's cooler too. Less gentrification, for a start: if we were in Hoxton, this place would be surrounded on all sides by a record store ("We Only Stock Vinyl"), vintage market and three prohibition-themed cocktail bars. In reality, it's opposite a Pound Plus store, dry cleaners and unappealing Chinese takeaway.
So perhaps Bush Hall Dining Rooms get kudos simply for being the sirloin steak in a sea of kebabs? To be fair, they could easily have stopped at the level of simply existing and they'd already be miles ahead of the nearest geographical competition. But they also offer some truly delicious food (I suppose the style is "modern British"), for extremely reasonable prices, and on each of my four visits to date (one brunch and three dinners), they haven't put a foot wrong. Juicy and flavoursome pork tenderloin; wonderfully indulgent eggy bread with maple syrup; a couple of gorgeous, creative salads; a very good burger (not the best I've ever had, but nonetheless hit all the right spots); fantastic, perfectly-cooked mussels in creme fraiche, sherry and tarragon, a combination I'd never have considered but caused me to shamelessly lick all of my fingers, the bowl, and possibly the table for any drips.
I mean really, the mussels and pork would be enough for me to set up camp and never leave but they haven't stopped there. It used to a greasy spoon and I love how they've kept elements throughout, such as the original wood-panelled walls and ceiling, and retro gold sticker writing on the windows. There's even a vintage "Dining Rooms" sign on one wall which was apparently discovered whilst renovating and coincidentally happened to fit the newly-decided name. The seating is varied and gives options for all occasions: cosy tables for two near the door (somewhat more atmopheric with the high ceilings and low lighting); booths, cafe-style tables for four, and a long bench for groups (seats 12) in the lower portion of the restaurant near the kitchen.
Small details abound; bag hooks under the bar, for those who just want to pop in for a drink (if you do, get the Rhubarb Rhubarb cocktail); funny notes on the back of the menu instructing patrons in the "art of conversation"; cool, regularly-changing music; imaginative daily specials; photocopies of signed band posters from next-door Bush Hall music venue wallpapering the toilets. Service is friendly and fast and prices are great.
I think with this and the equally new arrival of BrewDog, Shepherds Bush is truly on the up. Long may the tatty market and exotic veg stalls remain, but for now W12 (at least the southern part) may have reached the perfect mix of shabby chic - with Bush Hall Dining Rooms undeniably bringing the latter.