The Halfway House

Friendly local pub, but not so local that you feel at all unwelcome if you’re not a regular. Visited for the first time a couple of weeks ago and was very impressed. Didn’t try the food but it looked good value. I’ll definitely go back next time I want a good quality pint in a pleasant atmosphere.

When I was working in Mortlake this place did exactly what it says on the tin, a friendly local to stop off for a pint on the way home. A strange mix of peope, students locals and visitors, its friendly staff make it a good atmosphere. Be warned — while some football is shown, the TV is tiny, so come here for music and darts rather than sports.

I had a bloody brilliant night last night at the Halfway House in East Sheen, at a night called ‘The Busk Factor’ hosted by the massively adorable Elastic Band. The family band consisting of twins, dad and brother-​in-​law entertained with a playful and professionally executed set and hosted this open mic style evening with a real sense of humour and shameless jubilance.
Acts ranged from a violin medley taking on film theme songs and the Neighbours tune to a wonderfully sonorous accapella bass version of ‘Old Man River’ to renditions of Irish songs with the choruses sang by the entire pub. Anyone who partook was rewarded by a party bag stuffed with useless cheap things like lollies, straws and craft sticks. The pub itself was alright, a Magners was only £3.30 and the food was very cheap. My housemate claimed the onion rings were the finest she’d tasted. I will definitely be going back next month for ‘The Busk Factor’ because it was a night full of joy and a surprising amount of talent.