Conveniently situated opposite a cash point, the Hop Poles offers a commanding view of people scurrying up and down King Street. This recently renovated pub is a great place to enjoy a beer, maybe a fight, and some big-screen sports.
Last night, my arrival at the Hop Poles was heralded by the sirens of an ambulance. What I presumed to be the first casualty of the night was stretchered away from the bar as I ordered my first drink. The young girl’s evening had been diverted to casualty at just 7pm. By 7:30pm, the Karaoke man had arrived, as had a gaggle of school girls. It was like the Somme. They didn’t last long, each time one fell, other, younger troops arrived to fill the gap. At about the same time, the guy who manned the toilet arrived. Get away from me with your imitation aftershave, and no I don’t need help to wash my hands.
In other bars, people are paid to man the toilets. Presumably to stop too much unlicensed drug traffic, to ensure the pub owners get their cut. It’s a thankless task – dealing with drunk people all night in the urine-soaked climate of the local meat market. But I figure the Hammersmith toilet man is not employed by the Hammersmith pub directly, but is supplied by the local firm. In a sinister kind of way. And is probably a heavily armed, well-paid, full-on villain.
Setting something of a precident, we escaped the Hop Poles without too mnay more incidents.
Rating – 4/5 for entertainment and shoolgirls.